Synthesis and characterization of metal-doped reduced graphene oxide composites, and their application in removal of Escherichia coli, arsenic and 4-nitrophenol

The aim of the present study is to synthesize dispersible reduced graphene oxide (RGO) via functionalization with metals and metal oxides and explore their potential applications in water purification. Graphene-based metal and metal oxide composites were synthesized hydrothermally using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent and sodium sorbate as a stabilizer. Single (Ag, Cu2O, and Fe3O4) and bimetallic (Ag-Cu2O, Ag-Fe3O4, and Cu2O-Fe3O4) nanoparticles were incorporated on the surface of RGO. The synthesized composites were characterized by various analytical methods. The inactivation of E. coli, the catalytic degradation of 4-nitrophenol, and the adsorption of As(V) were examined using the RGO composites.