Synthesis and characterization of WO3-GO nanocomposite for hydrogen storage, electrochemical, antibacterial and anticancer applications

Tungsten trioxide nanoparticles (WO3 NPs), Graphene oxide nanosheets (GO NSs), and WO3-GO (50 mg and 100 mg) nanocomposites (NCs) were successfully synthesized by using precipitation, modified Hummer's and ultrasonication methods, respectively. Various characterization techniques were used to confirm the formation of individual and composite materials. Hydrogen storage, electrochemical, antibacterial and anticancer properties of the synthesized materials were studied. Formation of the composite was confirmed by XRD, Raman and XPS analyses. Surface area and pore size distribution of WO3 NPs and WO3-GO NC were studied by using BET analysis. Hydrogen storage capacity of WO3-GO 50 mg and WO3-GO100 mg NCs was found to be 1.05 and 2.08 wt%, respectively. XRD, Raman, elemental and TG analyses were used to examine the adsorption and desorption of hydrogen. WO3-GO NCs showed higher specific capacitance as compared to WO3 NPs. Antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus bacteria and anticancer effect against human breast cancer cells of WO3 NPs and WO3-GO NC were examined. Based on the studies, it is evident that the inclusion of GO enhanced the hydrogen storage, specific capacitance, antibacterial and anticancer activities of the composite. [Display omitted] •WO3, GO and WO3-GO NCs were synthesized using precipitation, modified Hummer’s and ultra-sonication methods, respectively.•A hydrogen storage capacity of 2.08 wt.% was achieved and the adsorption/desorption parameters of hydrogen were estimated.•WO3-GO NCs show high specific capacitance, making them suitable for electrochemical applications.•WO3-GO NCs perform as an effective antibacterial agent than WO3 towards S. aureus and E. coli strains.•WO3-GO NCs possess excellent anticancer behavior than WO3 against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.