Abstract
TiO2 Microspheres-rGO has been successfully prepared and characterized using different techniques. The prepared nanocomposites show enhanced activity for the photocatalytic degradation of Methyl Orange (MO) under visible light irradiation with rate constant up to 39 x 10(-3) min(-1). The presence of rGO sheets decreases the band gap energy of TiO2 microspheres from 3.15 to 2.6 eV. Hence, a significant enhancement in the optical absorbance in the visible light was achieved with rGO-TiO2 as compared to pure TiO2 microspheres. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of the microspheres composites against broad range of Gram positive and Gram Negative bacteria is investigated. TiO2 Microspheres-rGO nanocomposites shows enhanced antibacterial activity compared to pure TiO2 or pure GO. The enhancement of the antimicrobial properties of TiO2-rGO is attributed to the synergic effect between TiO2 and GO. The advantages of GO and TiO2 nanoparticles makes it difficult for bacteria to develop resistance compared to traditional antibiotics. Predominantly, the maximum zone of inhibition was noted against the Gram-negative bacterium (up to 34 +/- 0.5 mm), which is attributed to the structural difference in the cell walls of both bacteria. The presented results demonstrate a bi-functional activity of the synthesized nanocomposite for wastewater disinfection. This provides a model of multifunctional material with superior activity for wastewater disinfection from microorganisms in addition to organic/inorganic pollutants.