NeemLeaves mediated green synthesis of copper ferrite decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for photoluminescence, gamma/X-ray radiation shielding, antimicrobial and anticancer properties

Copper ferrite (CuFO) and RGO/CuFO nanocomposites (NCs) were synthesized by Solution combustion method (SCM) using neem leaves as an extract for the first time. The synthesized NPs were characterized with various approaches. The PXRD pattern of CuFO and CuFO/RGO shows the formation of spinel cubic structure which was further confirmed with Rietveld refinement. Morphologically, agglomeration of the NPs were observed. Agglomeration is found to be more in RGO/CuFO NCs. The Wood and Tauc's relation gives direct energy band gap of 1.55 eV. The photoluminescence spectra (emission) of CuFO NPs noted at an excitation wavelength of 250 nm and CIE graph shows deep blue color whereas the addition of RGO increases its intensity. Theoretically, mass attenuation coefficient at different energy range was estimated for CuFO and CuFO/RGO NCs. Antimicrobial and anti-cancerous properties of CuFO NPs were studied.The present CuFO and RGO/CuFO NCs might be a good nanophosphor material for display applications and also useful in the antibacterial, anticancer and X-ray/gamma absorption properties. [Display omitted] •CuFe2O4 and CuFe2O4/RGO NPs are synthesized by solution combustion method.•Synthesized NPs are studied for display, antimicrobial and X-ray/gamma ray shielding properties.•Facile, economical, efficient and low temperature method is used to synthesize NMs for multiple applications.