Aqueous based synthesis of antimicrobial-decorated graphene

•Facile synthesis of antimicrobial decorated graphene sheets in water is presented.•High loading of Ramizol® on graphene is achieved through π–π stacking interaction.•Controlled release of Ramizol® is possible by altering pH of solution.•Excess Ramizol® used in the ultrasonic processing can be recycled and reused. Ramizol® (1,3,5-tris[(1E)-2′-(4′-benzoic acid)vinyl]benzene) is a potent amphiphilic anti-microbial agent. It is essentially a planar molecule and can interact with the surface of graphene via extended π–π interactions. Herein we demonstrate the utility of Ramizol® in potentially acting as a molecular ‘wedge’ to exfoliate graphene and stabilise it in water. The non-covalent attachment of Ramizol® on the graphene surface enables release of Ramizol® by altering the pH of the solution. Furthermore, the stabilised composite material demonstrates antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus which leads to potential in biomedical applications with graphene acting as a drug carrier as well as enhancing the structural strength of the composite material.