LAUSR

Abstract This study aimed at the characterization of the biosorption properties of RGO/Al 2 O 3 -M (where M = Ag, Au, or Pd) nanocomposite flakes in relation to various bacterial species, i.e. Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , Bacillus sp., and Sarcina sp. All the synthesized nanocomposite flakes were characterized as having good adsorption properties towards Bacillus sp. and E. coli bacteria in the near neutral pH range, which confirmed that their properties were applicable for water filtration. In particular, the RGO/Al 2 O 3 -Ag nanocomposite was considered the most effective material, due to the fact that it possessed both biosorption and biocidal properties. The latter was related to its nano-silver content. The combination of these two properties allowed for the effective attraction of bacterial cells towards the RGO/Al 2 O 3 -Ag nanocomposite surface and their subsequent complete deactivation.