Taking an Energy Efficient, Green Chemistry Approach to Nanocomposite Synthesis

An Introduction to Graphene

Graphene is an atomically thin, two-dimensional honeycomb film of sp2 hybridized atoms of carbon. It has been found to have great mechanical strength, excellent electrical conduction, molecular barrier properties, and other beneficial qualities.

The difficulty in fabrication, low solubility, and aggregation tendencies of graphene have made its utilization difficult.

Graphene oxide (GO) is a graphene derivative with different oxygenated functional groups. GO offers several benefits over pure graphene, including facile fabrication, greater solubility and the capability of surface functionalization. These qualities have uncovered endless possibilities for utilizing GO in nanocomposite materials.

Benefits of Using Metallic Nanoparticles

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have various benefits in the field of electrochemistry. Because of their compact size, nanoparticles may enhance the contact area of the electrode in use. Furthermore, metallic nanoparticles may boost the rate of mass transfer and provide quick electron transference, ultimately increasing the sensitivities of the used electrodes.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are low cost and have distinct physical and chemical characteristics that make them helpful in several optical, chemical, and catalytic functions.

Using a Green Chemistry Approach

A shift towards non-toxic, environmentally friendly green chemistry methods to produce metallic nanoparticles has taken place over the last few years. The involvement of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, and plant extract as capping and reducing agents makes the green chemistry approach sustainable and eco-friendly.

Plant extract is preferred over bacteria and fungi for mediating the synthesis procedures as it is more environmentally friendly.

Phenol-based chemicals, including phenolic acids, phospholipids, and flavonoids, are the most notable secondary metabolites found in plant components.

Gallic acid (GA) is a phenol-based chemical generated by the hydrolysis of polyphenol-containing plants. GA possesses antibacterial, antineoplastic, and radical scavenging properties.

Gallic acid has recently been employed as a capping and reducing agent in green chemistry techniques for fabricating silver nanoparticles. These nanoparticles, paired with gallic acid, may be used as spectroscopy probes and electrolytic sensors.

Potential of GO/AgNP Nanocomposites

Nanoscale composites of metallic nanoparticles and GO have promising applications in energy storage, supercapacitors, and electronics.

Nanocomposites of silver nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide have been developed previously. Electrodes modified with these nanocomposites displayed excellent electrolytic activity and responsiveness towards ions of heavy metals.

Using carbon-based nanomaterials in conjunction with metallic nanoparticles (such as those of silver) for modification of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) is a sustainable approach. This nanocomposite enhances the effective area and excellent electron transport performance of the electrode surface.