One-step synthesis of reduced graphite oxide–silver nanocomposite

Here, a general approach for the preparation of reduced graphite oxide (rGO)–silver nanocomposite has been investigated. Graphite oxide (GO) sheets are used as the nanoscale substrates for the formation of rGO–silver composite. GO sheets and Ag ions can be reduced at the same time, under a mild condition using l-ascorbic acid (l-AA) as reducing agent. This simple approach should find practical applications in the production of rGO–silver nanocomposite. The SEM analysis indicates that the silver particles are dispersed on graphene sheets. Raman signals of rGO in the composite are increased by the attached silver nanoparticles, displaying surface-enhanced Raman scattering activity. The degree of enhancement can be adjusted by varying the quantity of silver nanoparticles in the composite. In addition, antibacterial activity of the composite against Escherichia coli was evaluated using zone of inhibition. Composites with Ag clearly showed antibacterial activity against E. coli. While GO alone has almost no effect against this bacteria.

Graphical abstractHere, a general approach for the preparation of silver–reduced graphite oxide (rGO) nanocomposite has been investigated. The SEM images of as-made composites show the edges and crumpled silk waves of these carbon sheets (white arrow in the figure) and Ag nanoparticles (black arrow in the figure).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Graphite oxide (GO) are used as substrates for the formation of silver–rGO composite. ► GO and Ag can be reduced by l-ascorbic acid at the same time. ► The Raman signals of rGO are increased by the attached silver nanoparticles. ► Composites with Ag showed antibacterial activity against E. coli.