Title: Graphene nanoplatelets induced tailoring in photocatalytic activity and antibacterial characteristics of MgO/graphene nanoplatelets nanocomposites,
Abstract: The synthesis, physical, photocatalytic, and antibacterial properties of MgO
and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) nanocomposites are reported. The
crystallinity, phase, morphology, chemical bonding, and vibrational modes of
prepared nanomaterials are studied. The conductive nature of GNPs is tailored
via photocatalysis and enhanced antibacterial activity. It is interestingly
observed that the MgO/GNPs nanocomposite with optimized GNPs content show a
significant photocatalytic activity (97.23% degradation) as compared to bare
MgO (43%) which makes it the potential photocatalyst for purification of
industrial waste water. In addition, the effect of increased amount of GNPs on
antibacterial performance of nanocomposites against pathogenic micro-organisms
is researched, suggesting them toxic. MgO/GNPs 25% nanocomposite may have
potential applications in waste water treatment and nanomedicine due its
multifunctionality.