rGO Nanocomposite Research Articles

Facile production of Ag-Co3O4/rGO nanocomposite and its enhanced photocatalytic and electrochemical activities for practical applications

In this study, authors produced Co3O4, Ag-Co3O4 nanoparticles and Ag-Co3O4/rGO nanocomposites through a facile, one-step and cost-effective hydrothermal route; and thoroughly analyzed these materials using a variety of complementary techniques, including XRD, SEM/TEM, XPS, FTIR, VSM, UV–Vis, PL, photocatalytic and electrochemical measurements. The formation of cubic spinel structure in Ag-Co3O4/rGO nanocomposite was investigated by X-ray diffraction. The estimated average crystalline size in case ofCo3O4, Ag-Co3O4, and Ag-Co3O4/rGO samples was found to be 11.2, 14.1 and 17.5 nm, respectively. As a comparison to Co3O4 and Ag-Co3O4 nanoparticles, the absorption edge of Ag-Co3O4/rGO nanocomposite was significantly shifted towards the visible region, and hence the band gap is narrowed due to highly conducting Ag and rGO incorporation. The photo-generated electrons and holes were rapidly transferred from Co3O4 to Ag and rGO, leading to reduced PL intensity ofAg-Co3O4/rGO nanocomposite. Authors evaluated the photocatalytic efficiency of synthesized Ag-Co3O4/rGO nanocomposite, which exhibited an enhanced photodegradation potential against RhB dye. Authors also examined the electrochemical activity of as-obtained Ag-Co3O4/rGO nanocomposite using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge cycle analysis, demonstrating its employability in supercapacitors as it possessed excellent specific capacitance.

Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye in aqueous solution under UV irradiation using NdMnO3:rGO hybrid nanocomposites as a photocatalyst

Nanostructured NdMnO3:rGO samples were synthesized via the ultrasonicated sol-gel method by adding rGO concentrations (0–20 wt.%). The formation of a pure orthorhombic structure having a “pnma” space group confirmed the absence of any secondary phase of nanocomposites. The bandgap of NdMnO3:rGO was determined from Tauc's plot to be 2.20–1.74 eV concerning the rGO concentrations. The highest photocatalytic degradation rate was achieved to be 0.530 for the particular rGO concentration of 20 wt.%. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of NdMnO3:rGO nanocomposite is attributed to the higher separation efficiency of photo-induced electron-hole pairs and the extensive surface contact between rGO and NdMnO3. These findings convincingly show that the NdMnO3:rGO photocatalysts possess great potential for UV–visible light-driven photodegradation of MB.

Synthesis of metal–organic nanofiber/rGO nanocomposite as the sensing element for electrochemical determination of hypoxanthine

Abstract In this study, metal–organic nanofibers (MONFs) and reduced graphite oxide (rGO) nanocomposite were used to modify the surface of glassy carbon electrode, and the electrochemical sensor was applied to the differential pulse voltammetry determination of hypoxanthine, the oxidation intermediate of human purine degradation metabolism. The preparation of MONFs/rGO nanocomposite is simple, efficient, and environmentally friendly. The morphology and structure of MONFs/rGO nanocomposite were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the improved sensor has a significant increase in current density, with linear ranges of 0.1–10 and 20–100 μM. Detection limit 0.01 μM (S/N = 3). Under the optimized conditions, the improved sensor shows very good stability, selectivity, and improved accuracy.

“Physicochemical properties and redox behaviour of Fe-doped hybrid nanotubes of the imogolite type and their rGO nanocomposites”

By ionic exchange of preformed methylimogolite nanotubes (chemical formula (OH)3Al2O3SiCH3), nanotubes with the chemical formula (OH)3Al2-xFexO3SiCH3 were obtained, with x values of 0.05 and 0.1, corresponding to a nominal Fe content of 1.4 and 2.8 wt%, respectively. The nanotubes were characterized using low angles X-ray powder diffraction; N2 sorption at −196 °C; Diffuse Reflectance UV–Vis spectroscopy and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy coupled to Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis. Their electrochemical behaviour was investigated by Cyclic Voltammetry: a redox behaviour was observed only with a Fe content of 2.8 wt%, likely due to Fe-oxyhydroxide clusters (FeOOH) at the nanotubes' outer surface.Based on the electrochemical and physicochemical characterizations, nanocomposites of Fe-doped methylimogolite and reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) were obtained for the first time through a simple method, previously developed by some of us to disperse electrochemically active nanomaterials onto carbon supports. In the micro/mesoporous nanocomposites (specific surface area in the 370–284 m2 g−1 range) the NTs were highly dispersed within the 3D rGO matrix. Cyclic Voltammetry showed that the capacitive behaviour of the Fe-doped NTs alone were enhanced when they were embedded in the 3D rGO matrix.

Layered Potassium Titanium Niobate/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite as a Potassium-Ion Battery Anode

HighlightsKTiNbO5 and KTiNbO5/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites were successfully synthesised via solvothermal methods. Optimising the rGO wt% yielded a composite with 12 wt% (KTNO/rGO-12). KTNO/rGO-12 was tested for its potassium storage performance, achieving a first charge capacity of 128.1 mAh g−1 and retaining 76.1% over 500 cycles at 20 mAh g−1.The mechanism of intercalation was examined, suggesting a potentially low-strain material, with both titanium and niobium redox activity contributing to the charge storage.

One Pot Synthesis of Environmentally Friendly ZnSe-Based rGO Nanocomposite for Degradation of Azo Dye from Industrial Water

One Pot Synthesis of Environmentally Friendly ZnSe-Based rGO Nanocomposite for Degradation of Azo Dye from Industrial Water

Green synthesis of Ag and Au NPs decorated rGO nanocomposite for high impedimetric electrochemical sensor as well as enhanced antimicrobial performance against foodborne pathogens

In the present study, Allium cepa L. leaves extract mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) decorated reduced graphene oxide (Ag/Au/rGO NC’s) were synthesized and demonstrated their biological and electrochemical sensing applications. Interestingly, the synthesis of AgNPs and AuNPs was achieved rapidly within 1 h and 4 h, respectively. Whereas the production of both reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and Ag/Au/rGO NC’s was achieved at 96 h. The achieved results from the UV–Vis spectrum of 432 nm for AgNPs and 550 nm of AuNPs and the shifting of the characteristic GO absorption band of 230 nm into 270 nm as well as an absence of 305 nm confirmed the rGO synthesis. In addition, HR-XRD analyses confirmed the JCPDS file No. 04–0783 and 01–1174 pertaining to Ag and Au NPs. Further, the Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR and EDS analyses confirmed the evidence of nanomaterials biosynthesis. A polydisperse, spherical shaped average size AgNPs of 1 to 30 nm, spherical and triangular shaped AuNPs with an average size of 1 to 120 nm, and silk like appearance of a thin layered graphene sheet in rGO were observed through TEM. Also, the recorded results evident the uniform decoration of Ag and Au NPs into the rGO sheet. The electrochemical properties of as-synthesized materials were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques. Interestingly, the Ag/Au/rGO NC’s modified electrode exhibited higher electrical conductivity and good electrocatalytic properties towards the electrooxidation of nitrite in a neutral medium than other nanomaterials. Eventually, Ag/Au/rGO NC’s confirmed the enhanced antibacterial against Gram-negative bacteria and dose dependent antifungal inhibitory activities against foodborne fungal pathogens of Fusarium graminearum, Alternaria alternata, and phytopathogenic fungus of Curvularia lunata and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum at the maximum tested conc. of 2 mg/mL, compared to other nanomaterials. From the result of zebrafish embryotoxicity (ZET), the highest toxicity was observed for AgNPs at 0.19 μg/mL. But in the case of Ag/Au/rGO NC’s the reduced toxicity was observed. Hence, the achieved results concluded the Ag/Au/rGO NC’s could be suitable for development of both as biomaterials for biomedical and effective sensors for environmental applications.

Introducing of WO3@NiCo2O4/rGO ternary nanocomposites as active material for high-performance supercapacitor applications

The combined materials with synergistic effects and integrate of properties of each component can be widely used for high capacity and high-power density storage devices. In this study, synthesis, energy storage ability and characterization of the novel ternary WO3@NiCo2O4/rGO nanocomposites (NWG) as active electrode materials are studied. NWG nanocomposites as high-efficiency supercapacitors material which is perfect transferring ions/electrons are constructed with multiple-step synthesis for supercapacitor application for the first time. For this purpose, at first, intertwined nanosheets of NiCo2O4 was synthesized through the hydrothermal process, afterwards, WO3 nanostructures were fabricated on the surface of NiCo2O4 via sonochemical method and finally, NWG nanocomposites were synthesized during the mild hydrothermal conditions. Towards the studying the physicochemical properties of as-fabricated NWG nanocomposites, the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis were used. Also, the electrochemical behavior of innovative NWG nanocomposites as energetic electrode materials was investigated in two and three electrode configurations for high-performance supercapacitor application. Additionally, the synergetic effect between NiCo2O4, WO3 and rGO substrates in final product (NWG) was investigated based on cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic stability test. The well-designed NWG nanostructures with layered shape can acceleration the ion electrolyte diffusion and provided more redox active sites through energy storage process. The electrochemical results of the NWG nanocomposite electrodes represented a high specific capacity of 1211.75 F g−1 at a current density of 1.5 A g−1. Furthermore, the suggested electrode exhibited the great energy density of 11.92 Whkg−1, power density of 3000.8 Wkg−1 and excellent rate capability (91.51 % of capacity retention after 1000 cycles). Moreover, the specific capacitance of bare and binary nanocomposites i.e. NiCo2O4 and WO3@NiCo2O4 were investigated and compared with NWG at a current density of 2 A g−1. The results show that the specific capacitance of NWG ~1.5 times greater than NiCo2O4 and WO3@NiCo2O4 nanostructures [NiCo2O4 (498.33 F g−1), WO3@NiCo2O4 (580.33 F g−1) and NWG (917.67 F g−1)]. Remarkably, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) assembled by newly-designed NWG electrode as a positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as a negative electrode exhibited the good specific capacitance 37.2 mF g−1 at of 1.5 mA g−1. Also, the ASC device could provide energy density of 4.75 mWh kg−1 at the power density of 799.9 mWkg−1. This research recommends that NWG nanocomposites have an extraordinary potential for evolution of active electrode materials forthcoming supercapacitors in energy storage systems.

The visible- light photocatalytic degradation of ibuprofen by the CuS-Fe3O4/RGO catalyst

In this research, the CuS-Fe3O4/RGO catalyst was fabricated for the IBP degradation from aqueous solutions in visible light. The influence of different parameters such as the initial IBP concentration (5–20 mg/L), time (20–120 min), catalyst dosage (0.1–0.4 g/L) and pH (5–9) were considered for the IBP removal by the photocatalytic process. The results of research indicated that in the removal process of IBP by the CuS-Fe3O4/RGO composite in visible light and in the optimum condition (pH: 7, IBP concentration = 10 mg·L−1, time = 60 min and catalyst dosage = 0.3 g/L) the maximum removals of IBP and total organic carbon (TOC) were 96 % and 50 %, respectively. The byproducts of IBP removal were detected, and the degradation mechanism of IBP was suggested and discussed. After four cycles, the nanocomposite efficiency wasn't decreased significantly. Finally, it can be deduced that the CuS-Fe3O4/RGO nanocomposite has high photocatalytic efficiency for the IBP removal from aqueous solutions.

Shape selective studies on different morphological spinel-structured cobalt oxide loaded rGO nanocomposites: A comprehensive, potential and low-temperature coupling reactions

Morphologically controlled four different catalysts namely nanosphere, caterpillar, pseudo octahedron, and cube-shaped cobalt oxide (Co3O4) are prepared via a facile hydrothermal method. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as a support for the nanocatalysts due to the high surface area and efficiency. So, the differently shaped Co3O4 is supported on rGO, and catalytic properties are analyzed. Further, the structurally different Co3O4 nanocrystals are used to catalyze the Ullmann C–O and C–S coupling reactions. In the present work, the catalytic activities of different shaped Co3O4 are compared, and the order of activity of the catalysts is caterpillar > pseudo octahedron > cube > sphere. Besides, the high catalytic efficacy of caterpillar-shaped Co3O4 loaded on rGO enhances the activity further. Interestingly, 20 wt% of Co3O4/rGO exhibits high catalytic activity in the coupling reactions. Hence, this study explains the effect of the catalyst shapes and support material on superior conversions in organic reactions.

One pot green synthesis of Al doped zinc ferrite nanoparticle decorated with reduced graphene oxide for photocatalytic remediation of organic pollutants: Green synthesis, kinetics, and photoactivity

The world is drawn to the widespread use, toxicity, and bioaccumulation of the Atrazine (AT) and Auramine O (AO). Pesticides and dyes also have endocrine disruptors, genotoxic and persistent properties. Therefore, the photodegradation of AT and AO in water was investigated. Herein, the structural design of Al–ZnFe2O4 incorporated in rGO nanocomposite has been synthesized via facile precipitation and green synthesis methodology. PXRD and microscopic analysis confirmed the reduced crystallinity nature of Al–ZnFe2O4 due to the incorporation of amorphous rGO. The green Al–ZnFe2O4@rGO nanocomposite (AT: 90%; AO: 95%) showed maximum degradation as compared to native nanoparticles with minimum pollutants concentration of 10 mg catalytic dose at neutral pH in sunlight irradiation due to negative zeta potential (−36.0 mV), higher surface area (163 m2g-1) and tailored band gap (2.1 eV). First-order kinetics followed by initial Langmuir adsorption constituted the degradation process. The presence of different radical quenchers (t-BuOH, p-BZQ, Na2EDTA) concluded that hydroxyl radical plays a significant role in the degradation of toxic AT and AO. Green fabricated Al–ZnFe2O4@rGO also showed excellent efficiency for the degradation of AT and AO pollutant in real wastewater sample. Nanocomposite demonstrated remarkable sustainability and cost-effectiveness by remaining effective for up to nine cycles without experiencing any appreciable activity reduction. Due to its favorable surface features, Al–ZnFe2O4@rGO nanocomposite made via green process is a unique and potential photocatalyst for industrial applications.

µPED based electrode modified with nanocomposite for the detection of proline: An abiotic stress biomarker in plant

Plants when exposed to stressful conditions, accumulates array of metabolites. Among them proline plays significant and beneficial role as osmolyte, metal chelator and as anti-oxidative defense and regulator molecule. Thus the proline content is one of the potent bio-marker for the early detection of abiotic stress in plant. In this work a microfluidic paper-based electrochemical device (µPED) modified with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO) decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite is utilized to develop disposable system for the detection of proline. Wax and screen printings were utilized to create microfluidic chambers and electrode pattern on paper device, respectively. Portable potentiostat was used for measuring the current in response from the addition of proline. The proposed sensor exhibits excellent electrochemical performance with broad linear responses over a proline concentration ranging from 0.1 mM to 7.5 mM (R2 =0.99) and showed lower detection limit of 0.05 mM at 0.4 V vs. pseudo Ag/AgCl. Excellent electrochemical performance may be attributed to presence of electroactive rGO and catalytic activity towards proline is due to the coordination between proline and copper (II) oxide nanoparticles. These results demonstrate that the proposed paper-based electrochemical sensor can be utilized in disposable and portable way to detect proline content in the abiotic-stressed plants and has potential to be applied in on-site application.

Correlation of microstructural and chemical bonding of FeNi-rGO nanocomposites

This study used the chemical reduction method to synthesize iron-nickel (FeNi)-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites. FeNi-rGO nanocomposites were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy and Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) to investigate morphology, structural, chemical bonding, optical and compositional study respectively. SEM images revealed the connective network of grains first increased from 186 nm to 295 nm for Fe(1)-rGO to Fe(0.6)Ni(0.4)-rGO and then decreased from 250 nm to 217 nm for Fe(0.4)Ni(0.6)-rGO to Ni(1)-rGO with increased wt% of Ni and decreased wt% of Fe. The crystallite size estimated by the Debye Scherrer equation and WH-plotting also ranged from 12.32 nm to 27.40 nm and 18.70 nm to 27.32 nm respectively, with the increase in Fe wt%. However, the micro-strain of FeNi-rGO altered between 0.00276 and 0.00578. The metallic oxide chemical bond was found to be shifted to a higher frequency with the addition of Ni indicating an increase in the backing of oxygen or carbon with the metal network. The carbon defect parameter, ID/IG varied between 1.40 and 2.48. EDX data analysis showed the presence of C, O, Fe and Ni as primary elements. An increase in the bandgap of nanocomposites in response to UV–visible radiation was observed with the increase in wt% of Ni.

V2O5-Fe3O4/rGO Ternary Nanocomposite with Dual Applications as a Dye Degradation Photocatalyst and OER Electrocatalyst.

The design and synthesis of structured nanomaterials with dual properties have always been highly attractive in various fields, especially in the reduction of environmental pollution as well as the generation of renewable energy. In this study, the synthesized ternary V2O5-Fe3O4/rGO nanocomposite was investigated to evaluate both the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic activities for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye under UV/visible light radiation and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively. The magnetized V2O5-Fe3O4/rGO nanocomposite is characterized by TEM, FE-SEM (with coupling by elemental mapping), EDS, XRD, FTIR, Raman, PL, DRS, and UV-vis analyses. The obtained results show that the graphene oxide substrate is decorated very well using Fe3O4 and V2O5 nanoparticles and converted to reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Furthermore, the V2O5-Fe3O4/rGO nanocomposite is considered as an active catalyst material to modify the commercial glassy carbon electrode for OER using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The photocatalytic activity of this novel nanocomposite revealed 89.2% (kobs = 1.7 × 10-2 min-1) and 76% (kobs = 8.3 × 10-3 min-1) degradation efficiencies of MB dye under UV and visible light irradiation at room temperature, respectively, and the surface area of the V2O5-Fe3O4/rGO nanocomposite was examined to be 705.8 cm2/g by N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. In addition, electrochemical measurements determined the best OER performance of the ternary nanocomposite with the lowest overpotential (458 mV) and Tafel slope (132 mV dec-1) compared to the rGO substrate, Fe3O4, V2O5 nanoparticles, and binary nanocomposites. This work shows much enhancements in both photocatalytic and electrocatalytic activities due to the synergistic effect of the decorated GO support with V2O5 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles.

Manganese doped Co3O4/rGO nanocomposite: synthesis, characterisation and visible light irradiated photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue studies

Abstract Visible light active, highly stable, nontoxic, and efficient photocatalysts based on 1 %, 3 %, and 5 % Mn@Co3O4 were synthesized and functionalized with reduced graphene oxide. The X-rays diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy were employed for structural and functional group studies. Under visible light irradiation, photocatalytic activities of 1 %, 3 %, and 5 % Mn@Co3O4/rGO nanocomposites were studied for the degradation of organic pollutant methylene blue. Almost 85.4 %, 90.2 %, and 93.4 % degradation of methylene blue were observed after 80 min with 1 % Mn@Co3O4/rGO, 3 % Mn@Co3O4/rGO, and 5 % Mn@Co3O4/rGO respectively. The prepared nanocomposites followed pseudo-first-order kinetic studies. Among all samples, the 5 % Mn@Co3O4/rGO showed maximum degradation of 93.4 % in 80 min. Moreover, 5 % Mn@Co3O4/rGO nanocomposite maintained its excellent dye degradation ability even after three cycles.

Facile synthesis of 2-D rGO based SmSe nanohybrid via hydrothermal route for solid-state supercapacitor

Electrode materials based on transition metal selenide have lately gained much favor in electrochemical supercapacitor owing to their outstanding capacitive performance, abundant availability and high electrical conductivity. In this study, we developed SmSe based reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite via solvothermal technique. First, it is established that the SmSe/rGO nanoarray forms a porous microstructure in three dimensions. Various instrumental investigation was employed to examined the material microscopic and spectroscopic properties. The as-synthesized SmSe/rGO nanostructure possesses an outstanding specific capacitance (Cs) of 1226 F g−1 @ 1 A g−1 and remarkable long-cycle efficiency of 95.84% retention capacitance after 5000 cycles @ 1 A g−1. The incorporation of rGO into SmSe nanostructure is responsible for faster transfer of electron and providing high surface area having greater active sites which are responsible for the higher efficiency.

La–doped ZnO–rGO nanocomposites: Synthesis and characterization as photocatalyst for effective degradation of bromothymol blue dye in water

Several techniques for eliminating organic dyes and pesticides present in water and wastewater have been developed to lessen their negative environmental effects. The use of semiconductor photocatalysts to break down organic pollutants like dyes and insecticides has garnered a lot of interest recently. In this work, we have prepared simple, quick, and high–yielding La–doped ZnO–rGO nanoparticles that can be used for photocatalytic degradation. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by various methods including morphological, optical, and photocatalytic properties using cutting–edge technologies like Transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, X–ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The study investigated the photocatalytic action of La–doped ZnO–rGO nanocomposites under visible light irradiation and bromothymol blue as a module dye. According to the findings, La–doped ZnO–rGO nanoparticles demonstrated discernible photocatalytic performance, with the 0.6% La–doped ZnO–rGO exhibiting the best degradation percentage of 81% in 210 min and a rate constant of 1.158 × 10−3 min−1.

Plant-based synthesis of TiO2 – rGO nanocomposite for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of an emerging contaminant: Experimental and theoretical investigations

The need to develop sustainable and efficient photocatalysts for the degradation of contaminants of emerging concern has gained considerable attention. In this study, plant-based titanium dioxide-reduced graphene oxide (TiO2-rGO) photocatalyst was synthesized by a hydrothermal method using Azadirachta indica (AI) leaf extract. Morphological and chemical properties of the AI-TiO2-rGO photocatalyst were evaluated in detail. The clusters of AI-TiO2 wrapped in AI-rGO were identified with TEM analysis, and from the XRD, the purity of AI-TiO2-rGO was confirmed. The low band gap (2.80 eV) of AI-TiO2-rGO made it a suitable photocatalyst under visible light. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicated the establishment of strong Ti-O-C chemical linkage within the AI-TiO2-rGO photocatalyst. The efficiency of AI-TiO2-rGO was assessed for the degradation of carbamazepine (CBZ) under UV-A irradiation (94.28%) and visible light (59.97%) in a batch photocatalytic reactor for 60 min. The optimized conditions such as AI-TiO2-rGO dosage (50 mg/L), initial CBZ concentration (4.5 mg/L), and light source (UV-A (60 W)), were validated with response surface methodology (RSM). The mechanism of degradation of CBZ by AI-TiO2-rGO was explained with the identification of intermediate compounds, and three plausible CBZ degradation pathways were proposed. The reusability study suggested that the AI-TiO2-rGO photocatalyst could be effectively used for 8 cycles. The evaluation of toxicity of treated water with E.Coli growth curve (reduction in Iind to 30.12% (UV) and 27.65% (visible)) signified that the treated water was less toxic. The comparison of AI-TiO2-rGO with chemically synthesized TiO2-rGO indicated that even though AI-TiO2-rGO exhibited a slightly higher band gap (2.80 eV), it can be the better alternative for the photocatalysts synthesized by chemical route. The economic analysis of the overall process proved that the application of AI-TiO2-rGO was more cost-effective and sustainable than the conventional TiO2 photocatalyst. Overall, the study provides valuable insight into synthesizing recyclable plant-based photocatalysts to degrade recalcitrant emerging contaminants in the water.

B2O3‐Nanoparticles‐Decorated N‐Rich Reduced Graphene Oxide Composites for the Enhanced Visible‐Light‐Assisted Photocatalytic Degradation of Ciprofloxacin

The occurrence of pharmaceutical pollutants in the environment is a mounting concern due to their detrimental effects on living organisms, including humans. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a regularly used antibiotic detected in wastewater and surface water. Therefore, developing effective, sustainable strategies for its elimination is paramount. Photocatalysis is an efficient approach that has been widely recommended for the removal of CIP from water. However, improved photocatalyst performance, stability, and activation in abundant visible light are essential for better photocatalyst systems. In this study, a novel boron‐oxide‐decorated nitrogen‐rich reduced graphene oxide (B2O3/N‐rGO) nanocomposite is prepared and characterized for its photocatalytic performance toward CIP degradation. The B2O3/N‐rGO nanocomposites are in situ synthesized via wet chemical route, and the morphology and structural properties of nanocomposites are extensively characterized. In the results, it is shown that the B2O3/N‐rGO nanocomposite demonstrated significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance (98%, 3 h) compared to N‐rGO and pure B2O3 toward the degradation of CIP under visible‐light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the synergistic benefit of B2O3 and N‐rGO, which improves light absorption, charge separation efficiency, adsorption sites, and delayed electron–hole recombination. In summary, the synthesized B2O3/N‐rGO nanocomposite photocatalyst can potentially be applied for various environmental remediation and energy‐related applications.

One-step preparation, characterization, and anticancer potential of ZnFe2O4/RGO nanocomposites

Zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs) have attracted extensive attention for their diverse applications including sensing, waste-water treatment, and biomedicine. The novelty of the present work is the fabrication of ZnFe2O4/RGO NCs by using a one-step hydrothermal process to assess the influence of RGO doping on the physicochemical properties and anticancer efficacy of ZnFe2O4 NPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray(EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–vis spectroscopy, and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were employed to characterize prepared pure ZnFe2O4 NPs and ZnFe2O4/ RGO NCs. XRD results showed that the synthesized samples have high crystallinity. Furthermore, the average crystal sizes of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and ZnFe2O4/RGO nanocomposites (NCs) were 51.08 nm and 54.36 nm, respectively. SEM images revealed that pure ZnFe2O4 NPs were spherical in shape with uniformly loaded on the surface of the RGO nanosheet. XPS and EDX analysis confirmed the elemental compositions of ZnFe2O4/RGO NCs. Elemental mapping of SEM shows that the elemental compositions (Zn, Fe, O, and C) were homogeneously distributed in ZnFe2O4/RGO NCs. The intensity of FT-IR spectra depicted that pure ZnFe2O4 NPs were successfully anchored into the RGO nanosheet. An optical study suggested that the band gap energy of ZnFe2O4/RGO NCs (1.61 eV) was lower than that of pure ZnFe2O4 NPs (1.96 eV). PL spectra indicated that the recombination rate of the ZnFe2O4/ RGO NCs was lower than ZnFe2O4 NPs. MTT assay was used to evaluate the anticancer performance of ZnFe2O4 /RGO NCs and pure ZnFe2O4NPs against human cancer cells. In vitro study indicates that ZnFe2O4 /RGO NCs have higher anticancer activity against human breast (MCF-7) and lung (A549) cancer cells as compared to pure form ZnFe2O4 NPs. This work suggests that RGO doping enhances the anticancer activity of ZnFe2O4NPs by tuning its optical behavior. This study warrants future research on potential therapeutic applications of these types of nanocomposites.