Next-generation nanocomposites: Optimizing Al2O3-CuO-ZnO and reduced graphene oxide for enhanced performance

Abstract

Exceptional reduced graphene oxide-based nanocomposites (NCs) were synthesized using Al₂O₃-CuO-ZnO (ACZ) nanoparticles (NPs) through a controlled hydrothermal method. Nanomaterials with improved optical, magnetic, antibacterial, adsorption, anticorrosive, and photocatalytic characteristics were synthesized, showing synergistic behavior. To understand key structural features, the NCs were thoroughly examined using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, SEM, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and UV-Vis. spectroscopy. Adding ACZ NPs in the rGO matrix, increased magnetic, anticorrosive, improved antibacterial efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria, and photocatalytic activities. The NCs were exposed to sunlight and UVA and UVB light to degrade methylene blue (MB) dye i.e., 89.21 % in 75 min. The anti-corrosive characteristics (95.9 %) were examined against mild steel using a 1.0 N H₂SO₄ at room temperature at a very low concentration i.e., 10 ppm. The magnetic behavior of the NCs was examined with the help of Gouy’s balance. The induced current showed a clear relationship to the applied magnetic field strength, indicating that the NCs are paramagnetic. The antibacterial effects of the NCs were evaluated against S. aureus and E. coli at different concentrations. The ACZ@rGO NCs exhibited exceptional versatility, showing great promise for water purification, adsorption, corrosion protection, photocatalytic processes, biomedical technologies, and environmental restoration.