Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles decorated on graphene oxide for crystal violet dye removal

Abstract

In this study, we demonstrate a facile and environmentally benign method for the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles using a green reducing agent and their subsequent deposition onto GO sheets. The synthesized GO@Ag nanocomposite was characterized using various analytical techniques such as FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDX and BET. The results confirmed the successful formation of cubic Ag nanoparticles with diameter 30–40 nm on the GO surface. The theoretical surface area of GO@Ag was found to be 89 m2/g. The adsorption efficiency of GO@Ag nanocomposite toward CV dye was evaluated through batch adsorption experiments. The above experimental results revealed that CV adsorption on to the GO@Ag surface was pH dependent and maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 48.78 mg/g at pH = 8. The adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm models, indicating monolayer adsorption with chemisorption as the rate-limiting step. Furthermore, the recyclability and stability of the nanocomposite were assessed through multiple adsorption-desorption cycles, demonstrating its potential for practical applications in wastewater treatment for the removal of cationic dyes. The mechanism of CV adsorption on to the GO@Ag surface mainly involves electrostatic attraction and π-π interaction.