Ag-AgBr/α-Ag3VO4 photocatalysts, prepared by an ionic liquid-assisted precipitation method, were used as an efficient visible light driven photocatalytic system for removal of wastewater and pathogenic bacteria from the aqueous medium. X-ray diffraction powder (XRD), Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), Furrier transform infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms (BET) analysis methods were used to characterize the nanostructures. Photodegradation mechanism was investigated and the results showed that the prepared samples were too efficient to degradation of Acid Blue 92 (AB92) azo dye and E.coli cells under visible light. The photogenerated electron-hole pairs reacted with the species in the solution and produced super active radicals such as OH•, HO•2, and O•‾2 which are responsible for the degradation of the environmental pollutions. TEM images were used to clarify the antibacterial activity of the products. Finally, as a practical application of the prepared photocatalysts, their ability evaluated for degradation of a real wastewater sample which was provided from the textile industries.
