Synthesis of Partially Reduced Graphene Oxide/Silver Nanocomposite and Its Inhibitive Action on Pathogenic Fungi Grown Under Ambient Conditions

In the present study partially reduced graphene oxide-Silver Nanocomposite (GO-Ag NC) was chemically synthesized by using graphene oxide as a precursor and simultaneously its antimicrobial property is studied. Results indicate growth inhibition of fungi belonging to phylum Zygomycota as well as several types of microbes grown under open environment at ambient conditions in Luria Bertani Agar medium. SEM and HRTEM images represent highly exfoliated rGO layers with Silver Nanoparticles embedded on rGO flakes indicating the formation of rGO-Ag Nanocomposite. XRD and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of good quality GO flakes and rGO-Ag Nanocomposite. XPS confirmed intercalation of Graphite by Oxygen containing functional groups, confirming the oxidation of Graphite and corresponding changes in functional groups introduced by the inclusion of Ag Nanoparticles. FTIR and UVVis Spectroscopy confirm the formation of good quality GO, rGO, rGO-Ag Nanocomposite. The behaviour of the silver ion release from the rGO-Ag NC was studied in an acidic solution. Comparative study to see the effect of GO, rGO and Ag Nanoparticles were also carried out on microbes. SEM images of fungi shows destruction of microbial cell membrane.