Biogenic Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide Exhibiting Potential Antioxidant and Sonochemical Dye Removal Activities

Abstract Biogenic synthesis of graphene is so fascinating in the current research due to its advantages such as eco-friendliness, sustainability, bulk production of graphene coupled with its applicability in numerous applications. Here we report, biosynthesis of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) by the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) using fenugreek seed extract as a natural reducing agent. A popular Indian culinary component with therapeutic qualities, Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds are rich in phytochemicals that have the potential capacity for reduction and capping abilities. The structure of the thus synthesized graphene is investigated and validated using XRD, Raman, SEM and TEM spectroscopic techniques. The RGO displayed a potential antioxidant activity of 74% against DPPH radical which is higher than the standard ascorbic acid. Furthermore, the RGO also exhibited superior dye removal efficiency (95% within 1 h) when it is sonicated with 4 ppm Rhodamine B dye. These findings suggest that, graphene synthesized via biogenic process demonstrated potential antioxidant and sonochemical dye removal capabilities.