Morphology controllable synthesis of parallely arranged single-crystalline β-Ga2O3 nanorods for photocatalytic and antimicrobial activities

• Aligned side to side nanorods were prepared by facile reflux condensation method.
• Surfactant CTAB was involved in the formation of nanorods with diameter 50 nm.
• Degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B under UV light irradiation was 92%.
• Antibacterial activity against pathogens were studied.

Pure monoclinic phase of single crystalline Ga2O3 (β gallium oxide) nanorods have been synthesized using surfactant through facile reflux condensation process. The analysis of X-ray diffraction pattern and Raman spectrum confirmed the single crystallinity and high purity of β-Ga2O3 nanorods. The scanning electron microscope images revealed the parallel arrangement of nanorods and the diameter was evaluated from transmission electron microscope as 50 nm. The composition and thermal decomposition process were carefully investigated. A plausible mechanism was proposed to explain the formation of β-Ga2O3 nanorods. From the N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, the specific surface area was calculated as 49.5 m2/g. The band gap energy was evaluated as 4.5 eV from the absorption spectrum and the photoluminescence study displayed the characteristic blue emission of β-Ga2O3 nanorods. Photocatalytic activity of the material has been investigated by the degradation of Rhodamine B under ultra-violet light irradiation. The antibacterial potential of β-Ga2O3 nanorods were investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The diameter of the zone of inhibition was found to be 16 and 12 mm respectively.