Optical and Photocatalytic Properties of AgFeO 2 @GO‐Na Nanocomposites

ABSTRACT The AgFeO 2 @GO‐Na composites were prepared successfully by citrate‐gel auto‐combustion. XRD and SEM examinations were used for the determination of the phase and microstructure properties of the samples. The x‐ray diffraction shows the mixed‐phase structure in the nanocomposites. The average crystallite size decreased from 42.8 to 12.5 nm as a function of GO‐Na percentage. The Fourier transform infrared spectral study indicated the production of amide, carbonyl, and hydroxyl groups. Silver and sodium firmly attach to carbonyl and hydroxyl groups while keeping the basic structure intact. Electron microscopy images show nanoparticles that are spherical and fiber‐like. The energy bandgap varies between 1.841 and 1.91 eV. The photoluminescence showed blue emissions associated with oxygen defects. As a result, the 20% composite showed an efficient photocatalytic rate of 87.12% for tetracycline decomposition based on •O 2 − and •OH radicals as well as reduced charge recombination. Moreover, the composites also show weak ferrimagnetic behaviour, suggesting the presence of potential applications in multifunctional and recoverable catalysts.