Fabrication of N-doped Graphene@TiO2 nanocomposites for its adsorption and absorbing performance with facile recycling

Abstract

The present work aims to synthesize nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide-titanium dioxide nanocomposite (N-rGO@TiO2) using a simple, eco-friendly method and its applications in spectroscopic detection of heavy metal ions such as lead (Pb2+), mercury (Hg2+), and chromium-VI [Cr(VI)] in potable water. Initially, TiO2 nanoparticles loaded N doped rGO sheets were fabricated by an ecological method using Gossypium hirsutum (cotton)seeds extract as a green reducing agent. Then, the N-rGO@TiO2 nanocomposites were subjected for characterizations such as spectroscopictechniques, particle size analysis, zeta potential analysis, and spectroscopic sensing. Notably, the results of this study confirmed that N-rGO@TiO2exhibited countless stupendous features in terms of sensing of an analyte. Briefly, the UV-visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)spectroscopy confirmed the successful synthesis of N-rGO@TiO2. The SEM images showed the wrinkled, folded, and cross-linked network structures that confirmed the surface modification and nitrogen doping in the rGO sheet and synthesis of N-rGO@TiO2. The EDAX study confirmedthe elemental composition of the N-rGO@TiO2 nanocomposite. Finally, due to the larger surface area, porous nature, high electron mobility, etc. theNrGO@TiO2 probe provides the lower detection limit for Pb2+, Hg2+' and Cr (VI) as low as 50 nM, 15 μM, and 25 nM, respectively. Concisely, our study affirms the admirable sensitivity of N-rGO@TiO2 nanocomposite to the Pb2+, Hg2+ and Cr (VI) in potable water can provide better environmental remediation.