2025/04/28 by Mary, P. Princeya, Kumaresavanji, M., Venkatesh, P. Sundara +2
#FOS: Physical sciences #Materials Science (cond-mat.mtrl-sci)
paper · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2504.19758
This study presents a sustainable approach to synthesize bio-graphite from Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino) leaves without using chemical catalysts, activating agents, or organic solvents. The resulting bio-graphite was used to produce reduced graphene oxide (rGO) via a modified Hummers method. The bio-graphite derived rGO was further incorporated with orthorhombic structured MoO3 at different percentages (1, 3, and 6 wt.%) using ultrasonication. Structural, morphological, and functional characterizations were conducted using XRD, FESEM, FTIR, and UV-Vis DRS spectroscopy, revealing a bandgap of 2.82 eV for the rGO(3 wt.%)-MoO3 composite. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated via methylene blue degradation under natural sunlight. The rGO(3 wt.%)-MoO3 nanocomposite showed superior performance, achieving 90% degradation in 150 minutes when compared to 65% by pure MoO3. The Scavenger tests confirmed superoxide radicals (⋅ O2-) as the main reactive species. This work highlights the potential of bio-graphite derived rGO-MoO3 nanocomposites as efficient, eco-friendly photocatalysts for wastewater treatment.