Effect of Bismuth incorporation on Lanthanum Cobaltite nanostructures: Enhanced optical and photocatalytic properties

•La1-xBixCoO3 perovskite were synthesized via sol–gel route for photocatalytic decomposition.•The maximum degradation efficiency was observed for La0.85Bi0.15CoO3.•Photodegradation efficiency of the catalyst were tested against methylene blue (MB) and Crystal violet (CV) exhibits maximum degradation of about 98.5% MB and 98.9% CV in 80 min and 60 min, respectively.•The rate constant of La0.85Bi0.15CoO3 towards MB and CV degradation were 2.91 × 10−3 and 4.35 × 10−3 min−1..