Abstract
Recently, polyaniline-based photocatalysts have gained great attention due to their narrow band gap (E = 1.77 eV), which enables them to absorb a significant amount of visible light (∼43%) in the solar spectrum. In this study, we have synthesized a ternary nanocomposite (PANI/BiOCl/GO) through an oxidative polymerization approach, incorporating polyaniline (PANI), graphene oxide (GO), and bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl). Different weight percentages of composites (GO/BiOCl: 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, and PANI: 99.5%, 99%, 97.5%) were prepared and named as 0.5PBG, 1PBG, and 2.5PBG, respectively. The ternary nanocomposite's successful development, crystallinity, purity, porosity, and optical properties were evaluated through several spectroscopic and surface analysis techniques, including UV–Vis-DRS, PL, XRD, XPS, BET, and EDS analysis. FESEM and HRTEM images unveiled the porous characteristics of PANI, the morphology of exfoliated GO layers, and the nanoplate-like structure of BiOCl. The ternary nanocomposite was finally tested for its ability to degrade an organic dye, rhodamine-b (Rhb), and in the process also generate solar-light-driven green hydrogen by water half-splitting. The composite achieved about 90% detoxification (assigned from GC-TCD by analyzing the evolved CO2 gas after degradation) and 96% color removal of Rhb dye within 120 min. The degradation of Rhb by 1PBG displayed a first-order reaction, featuring a rate constant 7.25 times higher than that observed for pure PANI, 3.8 times higher than for pure GO, and 3.9 times higher than for pure BiOCl. Thus, the ternary composites achieve a good amount of synergy. Significantly, this reaction rate constant is 4.7 times greater than the rate observed with commercially used TiO2–P25 photocatalyst. Various reaction parameters including solution pH, different illumination areas, catalyst dosage, and the study of scavengers were investigated to understand their effects on the degradation reaction. The photocatalyst's reusability effectiveness was evaluated over 6 cycles, and its stability was subsequently confirmed through XRD and ICP-OES analysis. The LC-MS study revealed the identification of various intermediates and end products following the degradation reaction. The nanocomposite also produced 1000 ppm of hydrogen gas with an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 17.97% when CH3OH was used as a sacrificial agent, 500 ppm (AQE of 9.69%) in the acidic conditions, and 600 ppm (AQE of 11.63%) in the basic conditions. In a broader perspective, this endeavor paves the way for exploring fresh opportunities in the utilization of this ternary nanocomposite. Its potential extends beyond accelerating dye degradation to encompass diverse solar-driven applications as well.
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