Synergistic effect of zinc oxide nanorods on the photocatalytic performance and the biological activity of graphene nano sheets

Abstract In this work, decoration of the graphene surface with 5 wt. % ZnO nanorods (ZnO NRs), to ensure the potential photocatalytic performance of the formed nanocomposites, is demonstrated. Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized with Hummer method followed by reduction to give reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The adjustable nano-compositing exhibited long-sought workability not only in in-situ incorporation of nanorods while reduction of graphene oxide (IZG) but also in ex-situ mixing of RGO or GO with the nanorods, (EZG) and (ZGO) respectively. The demineralization of synthetic wastewater has been evaluated by chemical oxygen demand and the obtained nanocomposites possess enhanced photocatalytic activities with 30 % and 35% over pure RGO and GO, respectively. This higher efficiency could be attributed to the synergistic effect between ZnO and the planner structure of graphene sheets which developed unprecedented polycrystalline structure. Also, the results proved that even the RGO or GO have played a dual function in photocatalysis, adsorption, and degradation. Also, the bactericidal effect of the prepared samples was studied against deleterious microorganisms. The findings of this work pave the way for the new generation of highly efficient photocatalysts based graphene with economic attraction and environmental impact.