Stability of ZnO and Curcumin Decorated Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite in Acidic and Alkaline pH for Efficient Removal of Toxic Cd (II) Ions From Water

A nanocomposite of graphene oxide, zinc oxide, and curcumin (GO-ZnO-cur) was synthesized for the adsorption of toxic Cd (II) ions from water. The nanocomposites with different concentrations were characterized by FESEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and contact angle measurement. GO-ZnO-cur nanocomposites had a specific surface area of 18 m(2)/gm and were rich in hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. The hydrophilicity and stability over a range of pH of the composite were enhanced by optimization of curcumin concentration. The contact angle of the nanocomposite was 27.06(degrees) as compared to 37.13(degrees) for graphene oxide. Adsorption studies showed that GO-ZnO-cur nanocomposite could eliminate 90% of Cd (II) from water and had an adsorption capacity of 1568 +/- 10 mg/gm at neutral pH and room temperature.

Automated summary

A nanocomposite of graphene oxide, zinc oxide, and curcumin (GO-ZnO-cur) with a large surface area and abundant hydroxyl and carboxyl groups was synthesized for efficient removal of toxic Cd (II) ions from water. By optimizing the concentration of curcumin, the nanocomposite exhibited improved hydrophilicity and stability, and showed excellent adsorption capacity for Cd (II) at neutral pH and room temperature.