Fabrication of NiO/RGO nanocomposite for enhancing photocatalytic performance through degradation of RhB

In this study, NiO/RGO nanocomposites have been synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The chemical structure of nanocomposites was validated through X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, and X-Ray photo-electron spectroscopy analysis. Field Emission Scanning Electron spectroscopy (FESEM) and High-Resolution Transmission Microscopy (HRTEM) were used to investigate the morphological investigations. The bandgap of NiO was reduced after incorporation with RGO, revealed by UV-DRS spectroscopy. The NiO/RGO nano -composites show better photocatalytic performance for degrading RhB dye. The NiO/RGO nanocomposites display the highest rate constant of 0.015871 min-1, which is 1.4 times higher than NiO. The Scavenging test confirmed that center dot OH radicals are involved in the photodegradation process. The cyclic test validated the pho-tocatalyst's stability. This NiO/RGO nanocomposite has proven to be an excellent catalyst for eliminating organic pollutants from wastewater.

Automated summary

NiO/RGO nanocomposites were synthesized by hydrothermal method and their chemical structure was confirmed by XRD, Raman spectra, and XPS analysis. FESEM and HRTEM were used for morphological investigations. UV-DRS spectroscopy showed a reduced bandgap of NiO after incorporation with RGO. NiO/RGO nanocomposites exhibited superior photocatalytic performance in degrading RhB dye, with a rate constant of 0.015871 min-1, 1.4 times higher than NiO. Scavenging test confirmed the involvement of ·OH radicals in the photodegradation process. The cyclic test validated the stability of the photocatalyst. This NiO/RGO nanocomposite has demonstrated excellent potential as a catalyst for removing organic pollutants from wastewater.