Reduced graphene oxide loaded La2O3 nanocomposite for dye degradation and antioxidant studies
M. Mylarappa, C. Selvam, Harisha K. Sanjeevappa, Prasanna Kumar S G, G Krishnamurthy, Kalasad Muttanagoud N
Abstract
The current research describes the synthesis and characterization of reduced graphene (rGO) doped with lanthanum oxide (La 2 O 3 /rGO). The nanocomposite was created using a simple reflux technique. To analyze the structure and characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles, characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, EDAX, FT-IR, BET, Raman, and UV studies were used. The photocatalytic capability of the La 2 O 3 /rGO nanocomposite was confirmed by degrading Congo red dye at a concentration of 10 ppm in 65 min. Following first-order rate kinetics, the synthesized nanocomposite demonstrated a high degradation efficiency of 73.7 %. A half-life time of 37.02 min was also measured, demonstrating efficient photocatalytic action. The reusability of the catalyst was evaluated, and it demonstrated sustained stability across six repetitions with constant catalytic amounts. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the nanocomposite was tested, indicating significant efficacy in depleting DPPH (2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl) radicals. With an IC 50 value of 299.102 mg/mL, a significant reduction of roughly 97.81% was achieved. • Congo red dye decomposition was investigated using La 2 O 3 /rGO nanocomposite. • The Dye degradation efficiency was attained up to 74 % for synthesized sample. • The antioxidant property of La 2 O 3 /rGO nanocomposite was tested against DPPH. • Sample showed 98 % antioxidant property with IC 50 value of 299.9.10 mg/mL.