LAUSR

Abstract The magnetically separable Ag/Fe3O4/RGO nanocomposites (NCs) were synthesized through a green method using Punica Granatum peel extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The total phenolic content (TPC) in the Punica Granatum peel extract and the ability of extract to scavenge the DPPH radical were measured and the results proved that the extract has the ability of reduction of Ag+ ions and graphene oxide (GO) to Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO), respectively. Furthermore, the presence of phenolic compounds in the extract was confirmed using UV–Vis and FT-IR techniques. Deposition of Ag NPs on the surface of Fe3O4/RGO NCs was confirmed by color change from transparent to brown with maximum absorption at 418 nm which is due to surface plasmon resonance of Ag NPs. The crystalline nature of the Ag/Fe3O4/RGO NCs was identified utilizing XRD analysis. The catalytic activity of the green synthesized Ag/Fe3O4/RGO NCs was evaluated in the reduction of organic pollutants such as 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), methylene blue (MB), methyl green (MG) and methyl orange (MO) in water at mild conditions. The results indicated that the biosynthesized NCs have very high and effective catalytic activity for the different types of dyes within few seconds. The morphology and catalytic activity of the Ag/Fe3O4/RGO NCs was compared with Ag/RGO and Ag/Fe3O4 NCs, which were synthesized using Punica Granatum peel extract. The results revealed that the unique synergistic effect of Ag NPs and immobilization over supporters of RGO and Fe3O4 magnetite composite assisted in the reduction of 4-NP, MB, MG and MO.