Surface‐Charged Porous Vanadium Oxide Nanorods: A Potent Dark Catalyst for Dye Degradation

Developing semiconductor nanomaterials capable of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and degrading industrial effluents without light exposure offers significant energy‐saving potential and suitability for low‐light environments. An eco‐friendly and cost effective method was developed for synthesizing highly porous vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5 ) nanorods, specifically engineered for degrading Methylene blue (MB) in the dark. Structural, morphological, thermal, optical and surface properties of V 2 O 5 nanorods were conducted using a range of analytical techniques. Remarkably, the mesoporous V 2 O 5 nanocatalyst under optimum conditions degraded the toxic MB dye into harmless inorganic ions within just 3 min, without any external reducing agents or energy sources. A co‐block polymer, Pluronic F127, is used to tailor surface and morphological properties simultaneously., The synergistic influence of a strong negative surface charge, mesopores, and one‐dimensional (1D) nanostructure significantly enhances its efficiency. A surface‐mediated, electron‐driven degradation mechanism for the disintegration of MB in the dark is proposed based on scavenger analysis coupled with zeta potential measurement. The catalyst's degradation selectivity against different dyes and its recyclability were also assessed, underscoring its promise for real‐world applications. This study highlights the potential of mesoporous V 2 O 5 nanorods as energy‐efficient and recyclable dark catalysts for the rapid degradation of dye pollutants, particularly in low‐light environments.