High surface area ZnAl2O4/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic performance

In this study, the fabrication of ZnAl₂O₄/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites is reported for the initial time. Two nanocomposites, ZnAl₂O₄/reduced graphene oxide‐50 and ZnAl₂O₄/reduced graphene oxide‐100, with different reduced graphene oxide contents (50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml initial graphene oxide concentration respectively) were synthesized via a hydrothermal route; and characterized with the aid of suitable characterization and analytical techniques. For comparative purposes, two pure ZnAl₂O₄ samples were fabricated by citrate sol‐gel and urea combustion methods. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized pure nanospinels and nanocomposites was studied for the degradation of rhodamine B dye under ultraviolet–A light irradiation. Compared to pure ZnAl₂O₄ nanoparticles, ZnAl₂O₄/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites exhibited superior photocatalytic activity. The highest efficiency was observed for ZnAl₂O₄/reduced graphene oxide‐100 composite, where; full degradation of rhodamine B occurred after 45 min. The enhancements of the photocatalytic performance of ZnAl₂O₄/reduced graphene oxide composites were mainly attributed to unique electronic and surface properties of reduced graphene oxide.