SYNTHESIS OF RGO–ZnO COMPOSITES FOR THERMAL, ELECTRICAL AND ANTIBACTERIAL STUDIES

Materials composed of single or a few pure/modified graphitic layers can be easily synthesized using chemical methods. In the present work, nanocomposites of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with zinc oxide (ZnO) have been prepared via in situ reduction of graphite oxide (GO). X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD) confirmed the coexistence of RGO and ZnO crystal planes. The XRD results were complimented by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Incorporation of ZnO phase into the graphitic layers has been identified with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Incorporation of ZnO into graphitic layers has enhanced the thermal and optical characteristics of RGO but turned out with the reduced electrical conductivity. These nanocomposites illustrated fascinating antimicrobial activities against human pathogens E. coli and S. aureus.