Synthesis of RGO/NiO nanocomposites adopting a green approach and its photocatalytic and antibacterial properties

An environment-friendly approach for the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide/nickel oxide nanocomposites (RGO/NiO NCs) was done in a microwave via in-situ co-precipitation and hydrothermal mode. A non-toxic aqueous phytoextract was used as a reducing cum stabilizing agent. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the chemical structure of the NCs. The morphological studies were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy disperse X-ray. The optical study was verified by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The photo-degradation activity was performed at visible light by exposing the methylene blue (MB) dye solution along with the NCs. Experimental result reveals the improved photo-catalytic activity of the NCs towards the photo-degradation of MB (93%) compare to pure NiO NPs (65%) and RGO (negligible). In the nanocomposites, the electronic charge transfer takes place superficially from NiO nanoparticles (NPs) to RGO, effectively delays the electron-hole pair (e(- ) -h(+) ) recombination effect and increases the decomposition rate of the dye solution to some greater extent. The antibacterial activity of the NCs shows impressive potentiality in different culture media contrast with its constituent.