Nanostructured rGO−GO Composite as an Economical Adsorbent for Fluoride Removal

Department of Physics, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh - 515001, India

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Published online: 5 March 2026

Abstract

The present study investigates the defiuoridation of water using a two-dimensional composite material comprising reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and graphene oxide (GO). The adsorbent was synthesized through a facile, cost-effective, and environmentally benign procedure, enabling large-scale production with a consistently high yield. Structural and morphological characterisations of the prepared material were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEMEDAX). These analyses confirmed the successful formation of the rGO–GO composite and revealed its structural features and functional groups, which play a significant role in the adsorption process. Without the need for further modification or functionalization, the material demonstrated an impressive maximum fluoride adsorption capacity of 76.92 mg/g. A major highlight of this study is the exceptionally low production cost of the composite, calculated to be only 20 paise per gram, making it a cost-effective option for large-scale water treatment applications. The simplicity of synthesis, coupled with high efficiency and affordability, establishes this material as a promising candidate for addressing the persistent problem of fluoride contamination in drinking water. Overall, the findings provide valuable insights for developing next-generation nanomaterial-based filtration systems for sustainable water purification.