Algal extracts based biogenic synthesis of reduced graphene oxides (rGO) with enhanced heavy metals adsorption capability

[Display omitted] Efficient reduction of GO was performed, using cellular extracts of three algal strains. The rGO were characterized by SEM, TEM, UV-Visible spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, Zeta potential and redox potentials. The rGO were then used as decontaminating agents for heavy metals (Cu and Pb), in waste water. GO reduced via JSC-1 have removed up to 93% Cu and 82% Pb (adsorption capacity of 93mgg−1 and 82mgg−1, respectively), by 211-9a have removed 74% (74mgg−1) Cu and 89% (89mgg−1) Pb, while by 211-11n have adsorbed 91% (91mgg−1) Cu and 95% Pb (95mgg−1), within 30min.