Highly efficient and simultaneous catalytic reduction of multiple dyes using recyclable RGO/Co dendritic nanocomposites as catalyst for wastewater treatment

Abstract

Development of a low cost, highly efficient and easily retrievable catalyst with improved reusability is a major challenge in the area of advanced catalysts. In this study, we report a simple one-step approach for the fabrication of a reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/Co dendritic nanocomposite. The structure and morphology of the as synthesized material are thoroughly examined by XRD, Raman, FTIR, TEM, and SEM. The magnetic properties of the RGO/Co dendritic nanocomposite reveal that it exhibits ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature with high saturation magnetization. The catalytic activity of the RGO/Co dendritic nanocomposite was investigated for the reduction of different dyes namely, 4-nitrophenol, methylene blue, methyl orange and rhodamine B individually, and their mixture in the presence of a sufficient amount of NaBH₄. RGO/Co dendritic nanocomposite exhibits excellent catalytic activity as compared to the bare Co dendritic structure. The catalyst could be easily separated by an external magnet and recycled magnetically with no major loss of catalytic activity upto five cycles. The high catalytic efficiency, low cost and easy recycle technique make RGO/Co dendritic nanocomposite a proficient catalyst for degradation of organic dyes.