One pot green synthesis of silver nanoparticles decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for wastewater treatment

The utilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocatalysts for wastewater water treatment is an effective technique. But the chemical fabrication of such nanocatalysts is a crucial drawback and the implication of the biogenic approach could be a promising alternative. Therefore, in this study, we focused on using plant sources in Bangladesh to fabricate nanocatalysts based on silver nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide through a one-step process and applied them to wastewater treatment. In a typical procedure, GO, AgNO₃ and pre-treated solid support will be mixed with Date juice by sonication then the mixture will be heated on a thermostat. It found that Date juice effectively and simultaneously reduces the Ag⁺ ions and GO to form AgNPs/rGO nanocomposite as confirmed by X-ray diffraction and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic analysis. The anchoring of AgNPs on rGO was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The resultant AgNPs/rGO nanocomposite showed excellent catalytic efficiency toward the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol using sodium borohydride as a model reaction for the reduction of organic dyes. The merit of this fabrication lies in its low cost, use of non-toxic chemicals, use of agricultural waste, less processing effort, and ease of reproducibility. The synthesized nanocatalysts may have excellent catalytic efficacy with rapid recyclability in wastewater treatment that helps to contribute significantly to the effluent treatment plants (ETP) of dying and chemical treatment industries in Bangladesh for reductive degradation of organic pollutants.

• Research Project