Synthesis of Ag-rGO nanocomposite for the catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol

Abstract

In this study, we have reported an eco-friendly, very simple, in-situ method for the synthesis of silver-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (Ag-rGO) by using ascorbic acid and chitosan as stabilizing and reducing agents. Chitosan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide polymer with excellent adhesion properties which allows the binding of silver ions to the chitosan matrix, thereby reducing it. The addition of chitosan-stabilized silver nanoparticles to rGO increases its mechanical properties, yielding a nanocomposite. The catalytic activity of the synthesized silver-rGO nanocomposite for the reduction of p-nitrophenol is examined. The Ag-rGO exhibits good catalytic activity for the reduction of p-nitrophenol within a very short duration of time.