Ultraviolet-laser-induced graphene with heterogeneous CuO, Fe3O4, TiO2 ternary metal oxide nanoparticles for enhanced environmental applications

Abstract

• Created a cost-effective method for hetero-conjugated ternary MONPs/UV-LIG production. • MB adsorption kinetics fit a pseudo-second-order model; max capacity: 402.9 mg/g (Langmuir isotherm). • Demonstrated MB photodegradation with strong reusability, suitable for water purification. • Achieved 99.999% (5-log) reduction in pathogens in 60 s, proving self-sterilization properties. Pressing concerns regarding increasing industrial emissions and the spread of environmental pathogens have catalyzed substantial research into developing absorbents and antibacterial surfaces. Graphene-based composites incorporating metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) have recently gained significant attention for large-scale implementation, offering excellent absorbent behavior, photocatalytic performance, antibacterial properties, and straightforward fabrication pathways. However, the integration of heterogeneous ternary MONPs on highly porous graphene structures remains challenging. Laser-induced graphene (LIG) offers a promising avenue for customizing graphene-based composite materials, potentially transforming various industries through the rapid and cost-effective production of three-dimensional, multifunctional porous structures. This study pioneers the fabrication of nanocomposites composed of hetero-conjugated CuO, Fe 3 O 4 , and TiO 2 ternary MONPs embedded in high-surface-area bilayer ultraviolet (UV)-LIG, targeting absorption, photocatalysis, and self-sterilization against foodborne pathogens. This hybrid nanocomposite demonstrates consistent absorption and photodegradation performance, making it a strong candidate for industrial waste absorption, photodegradation of volatile organic compounds, and antibacterial surfaces for food packaging. For industrial waste adsorption, the adsorption kinetics of methylene blue (MB) was examined and followed a pseudo-second-order model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 402.9 mg/g according to the Langmuir isotherm. The ternary MONPs/UV-LIG photocatalyst exhibits outstanding performance, achieving approximately 95 % degradation efficiency of MB under visible light irradiation. The ternary MONPs/UV-LIG also demonstrated remarkable self-sterilization, achieving a 5-log cycle (99.999 %) reduction in foodborne pathogens in 60 s, making it ideal for applications necessitating antimicrobial surfaces. Ternary MONPs/UV-LIG composites exhibit exceptional adsorptive and photocatalytic efficiency under visible light, enabling sustainable degradation of organic pollutants and pathogens without external stimulation, making them ideal for environmental remediation and antimicrobial applications.

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