In recent years, Graphene quantum Dots (GQDs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials in various industrial and environmental applications due to their unique physicochemical properties, such as ultrasmall dimensions, excellent electrical conductivity, strong fluorescence and high biocompatibility. However, the common challenge of particle agglomeration often hinders their effective application. Supporting nanoparticles on a suitable substrate can effectively prevent their agglomeration. In this research work, borosilicate zeolite with ZSM-5 structure, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and GQDs/ZSM-5-type borosilicate composite were prepared using hydrothermal, and pyrolysis methods. The resulting materials were characterized using by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analyses.
Furthermore, the antibacterial performance of the synthesized nanocomposite was evaluated against the Gram‑negative bacterium Escherichia coli. The results revealed that the GQDs/ZSM‑5 hybrid effectively suppressed bacterial proliferation, leading to a significant reduction in the growth rate of E. coli. Accordingly highlighting the potential of this novel nanoconstruct for environmental applications.