Facile preparation of Fe3O4/Ag/RGO reusable ternary nanocomposite and its versatile application as catalyst and antibacterial agent

In this paper, Fe3O4/Ag/RGO reusable ternary nanocomposites are explored via a facile one-pot solvothermal strategies, and the catalytic performance and antibacterial activity are investigated in detail. The catalytic performance of Fe3O4/Ag/RGO towards the reduction of 4-NP into 4-AP is evaluated, and the reaction rate constant (k) for Fe3O4/Ag/RGO is calculated to be 0.03086 s-1, which is higher than that of Fe3O4/Ag (0.01756 s-1), indicating the catalytic activity is improved after decorating Fe3O4/Ag onto the graphene sheet. The antibacterial experiment shows Fe3O4/Ag/RGO ternary nanocomposites present a wide range of antibacterial activities against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and B. cereus) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa). The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for Fe3O4/Ag/RGO nanocomposites against four bacterial species are determined. Additionally, Fe3O4/Ag/RGO nanocomposites also present high reusability as catalyst and antibacterial agent. The results illustrated in this paper imply that the multifunctional performances such as efficient reduction of 4-NP followed by superior anti-reproduction of pathogenic bacteria make the Fe3O4/Ag/RGO ternary nanocomposites a promising catalyst for dye-polluted water and disinfectant agent for wastewater treatment and purification. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigated the catalytic performance and antibacterial activity of Fe3O4/Ag/RGO reusable ternary nanocomposites. The results showed that the material exhibited efficient reduction of 4-NP and superior inhibition of pathogenic bacteria reproduction, making it a promising catalyst for dye-polluted water and disinfectant agent for wastewater treatment and purification.