Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticle and graphene oxide nanosheet composites as a bactericidal agent for water disinfection.

Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets impregnated with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were fabricated by the in situ reduction of adsorbed Ag(+) by hydroquinone (HQ) in a citrate buffer solution. Paper-like Ag NP/GO composite materials were fabricated owing to convenient structure characterization and antibacterial tests. The Ag NP/GO composites were characterized by UV-vis spectra, transmission electron microscope, electron diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscope coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectrometer. Antibacterial activity was tested using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as model strains of Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, respectively. The as-prepared composites exhibit stronger antibacterial activity against both. The Ag NP/GO composites performed efficiently in bringing down the count of E. coli from 10(6) cfu/mL to zero with 45 mg/L GO in water. The micron-scale GO nanosheets (lateral size) enable them to be easily deposited on porous ceramic membranes during water filtration; making them a promising biocidal material for water disinfection.