Fabrication and structural of the Ag2S-MgO/graphene oxide nanocomposites with high photocatalysis and antimicrobial activities

Abstract

Silver sulfide‑magnesium oxide/graphene oxide (Ag2S-MgO/GO) nanocomposite was prepared via sol-gel/ultrasound method to modify the photo-degradation performance for rhodamine B decontamination under visible and UV light. Analytical studies were performed to distinguish the properties such as structure, morphology, and elements of prepared materials. The average crystallite size of MgO, Ag2S-MgO and Ag2S-MgO/GO is distinguished to be 24.2, 29.3 and 33.1 nm, respectively. The Band gap MgO, Ag2S-MgO and Ag2S-MgO/GO is 4.08, 3.25 and 2.82 eV, respectively. Ag2S-MgO/GO nanocomposites illustrated the highest photo-degradation rate of rhodamine B (RhB) under UV light (98.8%) and visible light (64.8%) during in 60 min. In this project, the process parameter of pH and time were investigated for RhB degradation activity influence. The suggested mechanisms for the enhanced photo-degradation of RhB by Ag2S-MgO/GO nanocomposites under light irradiation due to enhanced charge transfer efficiency via decreasing band gap amount; reduced e—/h+ recombination of MgO with the Ag2S crystal and an enhanced removal efficiency with the supported on graphene oxide. Examination of the antibacterial and antifungal properties of the prepared nano-materials were conducted with Bacillus vallismortis, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus flavus and Trichoderma viride. The beneficial antibacterial and antifungal performance of the Ag2S-MgO/GO nanocomposites was further tested by a great reduction in the number of bacteria and fungi medium with the addition of the Ag2S-MgO/GO nanocomposites.