Realizing cost-effective ZnO:Sr nanoparticles@graphene nanospreads for improved photocatalytic and antibacterial activities

Abstract

Strontium doped ZnO nanoparticles@graphene nanospreads were synthesized using a facile cost effective wet chemical method. Their structural, surface morphological, photocatalytic and antibacterial properties were studied and compared with those of the ZnO:Sr and bare ZnO particles. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that all the synthesized samples have hexagonal wurtzite structure. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) study displayed a platelet like morphology and EDX mapping confirmed the presence of the elements involved in the components of the synthesized composite material. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) analysis revealed that the ZnO:Sr nanoparticles are anchored on graphene sheets. The presence of the constituents of the composite is confirmed by Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis. ZnO:Sr/G nanocomposite sample exhibits enhanced photocatalytic activity against methylene blue dye compared to the ZnO:Sr and bare ZnO samples. Similarly, an improved antibacterial activity against two Gram-positive as well as two Gram-negative bacteria was also observed for the ZnO:Sr/G nanocomposite.