Synthesis and Characterization of WO3/GO Nanocomposites for Antimicrobial Properties

We report the synthesis of tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanoparticles and its nanocomposite with graphene oxide (GO) by cost-effective and high yield hydrothermal method. The structural pattern and morphology of produced nanoparticles are studied through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. XRD pattern confirms the presence of nanocrystalline hexagonal phase of WO3. SEM results show well-defined rectangular nanorods of WO3, and the GO is in layered structure that has homogeneous and ultra-thin films of graphene. In WO3/GO nanocomposite, the GO sheets are sublimely mixed with WO3 nanoparticles and have changed the morphology of WO3. Furthermore, the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are performed. The reduction in bandgap of WO3 by the incorporation of GO is observed by DRS that can improve the visible light harvesting rate of WO3. The transmittance peaks of WO3 and the bond of W and C in the nanocomposite are observed in FTIR spectra. Antimicrobial activity of WO3, GO, and WO3/GO nanocomposite by using three different strains (E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans) is examined. The obtained results demonstrate potential application of WO3, GO, and WO3/GO nanocomposite as antimicrobial agent.