Graphene/Fe3O4 nanocomposite: Solar light driven Fenton like reaction for decontamination of water and inhibition of bacterial growth

Abstract

Abstract Graphene nanoplatelets provide unique nanoplatform for photocatalysis and pathogen control due to their purity and high electrical conductivity. Graphene/Fe3O4 nanocomposite is investigated for its performance against removal of methyl orange. A fast and complete removal of dye (99.42%) is achieved using magnetic graphene/Fe3O4 nanocomposite under solar light irradiation, which otherwise can be removed only 72% using Fe3O4 alone. A high photodegradation (99.42%) is associated with a high ToN (47.22\u202f×\u202f102) and ToF (8.1) of the photocatalyst at halfway of reaction. In addition, the growth inhibition of both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria is studied. Interestingly, it is observed that 89.02% and 95.33% growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus is inhibited by graphene/Fe3O4 nanocomposite. We anticipate that economical method based on solar-Fenton like reaction will pave the way for employment of graphene/Fe3O4 nanocomposite in practical applications as a multifunctional material that possesses potential to remove organic dye, along with bacterial disinfection features.