One‐step synthesis of GO/AgNPs nanocomposite for diverse antimicrobial applications

Abstract Due to its diverse application potential, graphene oxide and silver nanoparticles (GO/AgNPs) nanocomposite material is currently under active research and scrutiny by scientists. This research synthesized the nanocomposite based on GO and AgNPs using a one‐step method with ascorbic acid's environment‐friendly reducing agent. Results indicated that the generated AgNPs, with a mean size of 20.3 nm, were deposited evenly upon the GO sheets' surface despite the absence of a stabilizer. The structural and chemical characteristics of GO/AgNP nanocomposites were studied using X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, photoluminescence, and Raman analyses. The nanocomposites' antibacterial efficacy was tested with Escherichia coli (Gram‐negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram‐positive). At a focus of 16 µg/L, the GO/AgNPs sample exhibited a width of inhibition zones (ZOI) of about 10 mm in diameter, larger than that of the AgNPs sample at a threefold higher concentration. These results show that the synthesized GO/AgNPs nanocomposite maintains and enhances its antimicrobial activity. Therefore, it holds promise as a safe and cost‐effective material resource for biomedicine or environmental treatment purposes.