Reduced graphene oxide loaded La2O3 nanocomposite for dye degradation and antioxidant studies

Abstract

The current research describes the synthesis and characterization of reduced graphene (rGO) doped with lanthanum oxide (La2O3/rGO). The nanocomposite was created using a simple reflux technique. To analyze the structure and characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles, characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, EDAX, FT-IR, BET, Raman, and UV studies were used. The photocatalytic capability of the La2O3/rGO nanocomposite was confirmed by degrading Congo red dye at a concentration of 10 ppm in 65 min. Following first-order rate kinetics, the synthesized nanocomposite demonstrated a high degradation efficiency of 73.7 %. A half-life time of 37.02 min was also measured, demonstrating efficient photocatalytic action. The reusability of the catalyst was evaluated, and it demonstrated sustained stability across six repetitions with constant catalytic amounts. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the nanocomposite was tested, indicating significant efficacy in depleting DPPH (2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl) radicals. With an IC50 value of 299.102 mg/mL, a significant reduction of roughly 97.81% was achieved.