Graphene quantum dot decorated magnetic graphene oxide filled polyvinyl alcohol hybrid hydrogel for removal of dye pollutants

Abstract Herein, a novel and simple coagulation route is adopted for quick preparation of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) integrated magnetic graphene oxide (GO/Fe3O4/GQD) by using ethanol-HCl as destabilizing agent. The ultra-high surface area of GQDs with layered graphene like structure makes them more sensitive to environmental changes as well as eco-friendly (cell viability ~ 86.7%) candidate for dye removal application. The as-prepared nanohybrid filler is then in situ incorporated within PEG-1500 induced macroporous polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel beads. The prepared PVA/CMC-B@GO/Fe3O4/GQD (L) nanocomposite hydrogel is characterized with SEM, TEM, XRD and FTIR. Surface topography and roughness of the nanocomposite hydrogel is evaluated through AFM microscopy, while pore distribution in the nanocomposite hydrogel is explored through BET adsorption isotherm and mercury porosimetry. Moreover, pH responsive swelling behavior of the nanocomposite hydrogel is well studied along with detail investigation towards removal of cationic pollutants (MB/RhB) with respect to contact time and solution temperature.