Synthesis, Characterization, Photo-Luminescence and Antibacterial Activities of Silica-Graphene Oxide Composites
In this research, a novel thin film Si-GO10 and nano-powders Si-GO30 of silica-graphene oxide composite were prepared via sol-gel method and deposited on glass substrates using spray pyrolysis. XRD results showed a relatively strong peak in graphite layer that corresponds to the plane of (002). TEM images displayed that SiO<sub>2</sub> nano-particles were randomly distributed on the surface of Si-GO30 sample, and the particle size in these nano-powders was below 50 nm. Moreover, silica nano-particles on the surface of GO plates exhibited almost a spherical and rod-like nanoparticles shapes, which in turn confirmed the formation of SiO<sub>2</sub>-GO nano-hybrids. FESEM analysis reveals a different morphology, the Si-GO10 sample is so rough and crumble, while the Si-GO30 sample is relatively smooth on the surface. Photocatalytic investigations revealed the composite materials exhibit high activity for dye adsorption and decomposition. Si-GO10 thin film did not undergo degradation after 120 minutes, however, for Si-GO30 nano-powder, the adsorption peak intensity was reduced to 665 nm, indicating a decrease in the dye concentration in the solution. FTIR analysis demonstrated that carboxylic functional groups are decreased by increasing silica particles. Photo-Luminescence (PL) spectrum in Si-GO10 thin film disclosed a severe emission peak at about 675 nm. This spectrum was completely disappeared in Si-GO30 nano-powders. Results of the antibacterial properties emphasized that Si-GO30 nano-particle would prevent Escherichia. coli growth after 20 hours. The presented methodology allows for the synthesis of graphene oxide supported silicon dioxide nano-particles for promising applications in photocatalytic and antibacterial fields.
