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

► Nanocomposites were prepared via in situ reduction of silver on graphene oxide nanosheets. ► The presence of silver nanoparticles is evidenced by a change in the physicochemical property of graphene oxide. ► Graphene oxide's antibacterial ability is greatly enhanced. ► Bacterial inactivation of the composites is retained in aquatic media.