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