One-step biogenic synthesis of bismuth/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites using lemon juice and their applications as recyclable nanocatalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol

This paper reports the first biogenic synthetic route for bismuth/reduced graphene oxide (Bi/rGO) nanocomposite using lemon juice as a reducing agent in a simple, eco-friendly, and cost-effective onestep procedure. Lemon juice effectively and simultaneously reduces the Bi3 thorn ion and GO to form Bi/rGO nanocomposites as confirmed by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet visible, Fourier-transform infrared, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis. The anchoring of bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) on exfoliated rGO sheets was confirmed from Raman spectroscopic, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The resultant Bi/rGO nanocomposite showed excellent catalytic efficiency toward the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol using sodium borohydride with a 4.7-times higher rate than that of BiNPs synthesized using lemon juice. In addition, the Bi/rGO exhibited good reusability with a conversion of 4-NP of 93% in the 5th cycle. This biogenic method brings forth a new prospect of an alternative to the conventional chemical methods in the large-scale fabrication of Bi/rGO nanocomposite through a simpler and greener strategy. (c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study reports the biogenic synthesis of bismuth/reduced graphene oxide (Bi/rGO) nanocomposite using lemon juice as a reducing agent. Lemon juice effectively reduces Bi3+ ions and GO to form Bi/rGO nanocomposites. The BiNPs are anchored on exfoliated rGO sheets, leading to excellent catalytic efficiency for reducing 4-nitrophenol. The biogenic method offers a simpler and greener approach for large-scale fabrication of Bi/rGO nanocomposites.