Microwave synthesis of silvergraphene oxide for determination of mercury ion (HG2+)

In this study, silver-graphene oxide were synthesized using microwave irradiation for the determination of mercury ion (Hg2+) using spectrophotometry. Due to the harmful effects of Hg2+, it is crucial to be able to detect and measure the level of Hg2+. The GO-Ag nanocomposite are chosen as an assay for optical determination of Hg2+. GO serve as an effective host material for the growth of Ag NPs due to the presence of surface functional groups and high specific surface area. A microwaveassisted method had been reported for the synthesis of Ag NP since it is well known as a rapid process in producing metallic nanoparticles, for example, gold, platinum, and palladium. Microwave synthesis only requires lower energy consumption compared to conventional heating method. The nanocomposite was characterized by UV-visible absorption spectra, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The color change of dark brown nanocomposite were observed during the determination of Hg2+ and it can be seen with bare eyes. Silver nanoparticle with narrow size distribution were formed under microwave irradiation and it were randomly distributed on the surface on graphene oxide. The FTIR analysis result showed the GO was partially reduced during the synthesis of GO-Ag. XRD analysis of GO-Ag shows the existence of AgNP on the graphene sheets with the diffraction pattern of silver crystal structure