In this article, pulsed laser exposure on steel surface in aqueous medium was employed to achieve fast and scalable synthesis of highly dense iron oxide nanosheets. The growth mechanisms of this unique 2D nanocrystals have been studied systematically. The effects of laser processing conditions on growth of the 2D nanocrystals have been investigated. NanoStars and nanoflakes with different densities have been observed under various laser treatment conditions. It is noteworthy that laser acts as a catalyst for growth of iron oxide nanosheet. Nanocomposites of iron oxide nanosheets with graphene oxide (GO) were obtained and their adsorption capability for Rhodamine B molecules was investigated. The enhanced contact area between iron oxide sheets and graphene oxide, as observed in our experimental investigation would find applications in catalysis, water purification and many other emerging fields. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.