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Abstract Recently, innovative research focused on combining 2D nanosheet materials with semiconducting metal oxide for several industrial applications. Notably, for wastewater treatment, new techniques were developed by experts to mitigate environmental hazards. The TiO 2 /reduced graphene (rGO) nanocomposite has recently attracted interest due to its superior activity in diverse fields, particularly water treatment. This study compares and evaluates the environmental application of innovative and eco-friendly synthesized TiO 2 NPs, rGO, and TiO 2 /rGO nanocomposite using Carob pods ( Ceratonia siliqua ) extract. Extensive morphological, structural, spectroscopic, thermal, and surface charge analysis was performed, including TEM, AFM, SEM mapping, X-ray diffraction, UV–visible, FTIR, Raman Spectroscopy, EDX, TGA, and the Zeta Potential analysis were performed to bring out the properties of synthesized nanomaterials. In addition, the phenolic compounds determined (30.78 ± 0.1 µg/mL) in the pods' extract confirmed their role in the reduction process to form rGO and TiO 2 NPs. Furthermore, the three designed nanomaterials were applied as adsorbent candidates for heavy metals and as photocatalysts for removing industrial dye from wastewater. The nanocomposite exhibited the highest absorption capacity for Zn 2+ , Ni 2+ , Pb 2+ , and Cd 2+ . Also, the photocatalytic performance of the nanocomposite demonstrated a significant improvement in Methylene Blue (MB) dye elimination (90%, 15 min) compared to free TiO 2 NPs (87.5%, 150 min). The findings reveal that the green synthesized rGO/TiO 2 nanocomposite can be used to improve the removal of heavy metals and dye contaminants from wastewater. Graphical Abstract Represents the green synthesis of rGO, TiO 2 , and rGO/TiO 2 nanocomposite using carob extract and their potential application in wastewater treatment
Ola M. El‐Borady (Fri,) studied this question.