Benzoin derived reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and its nanocomposite: application in dye removal and peroxidase-like activity

Benzoin, a common reagent, has been used as a reducing agent for large scale production of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets and also for a gold-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (Au-rGO) by a co-reduction method. The pH of the reaction medium plays a crucial role in controlling the reaction kinetics. Systematic microscopic characterization reveals the sheet like nanostructure of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). A two-electron transfer mechanism has been proposed to support the reduction phenomenon. The reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has been successfully exploited for the removal of different dye molecules from aqueous solution and the recyclability has been tested. Here the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent is calculated to be 338.65 mg g(-1) for methylene blue. Finally peroxidase like activity of Au-rGO has been identified for pyrogallol oxidation using tert-butyl hydroperoxide.