Enhanced photocatalytic performance of PS/F-PANI/PNT films for visible-light-induced hydrogen production

Abstract

This study aims to develop polystyrene/polyaniline/Pt/N-TiO2 (PS/PANI/PNT) photocatalytic films for hydrogen production under simulated sunlight to improve the efficiency of photocatalyst recycling. The effects of the molar ratio of aniline monomer (AN) to oxidizing reagent (ammonium peroxydisulfate, APS) and the weight ratio of AN to PNT on the conductivity of synthesized nanofiber PANI (F-PANI) materials were investigated. PS/PANI/PNT with F-PANI/PNT were synthesized for photocatalytic hydrogen production. An AN/APS molar ratio of 1:2 in F-PANI/PNT was suitable for AN oxidation. The conductive pathway of PANI chains was enhanced by PNT addition at a AN/PNT weight ratio of 1:0.25, which was favorable for enhancing conductivity, facilitating the faster migration of electron–hole pairs to the photocatalyst surface to improve the hydrogen production rate. The F-PANI/PNT photocatalyst effectively separates its electron–hole pairs and has strong electron reduction and hole oxidation abilities, which is suitable for improving the photocatalytic hydrogen production capacity. The contact angle of PS/F-PANI/PNT-2–0.25 was lower than that of PS/PNT, indicating that the hydrophilicity and active sites of PS/F-PANI/PNT-2–0.25 increased. The optimal photocatalytic hydrogen production of F-PS/PANI/PNT (28,580 μmol h-1 g-1) was reached when the polymerization temperature, AN/APS molar ratio, and AN/PNT weight ratio were 5 °C, 1:2, and 1:0.25, respectively. The PS/F-PANI/PNT film showed excellent recyclability, with comparable photocatalytic activity even after five cycle repetition tests. This approach provides a promising alternative to traditional photocatalytic systems and contribute to a more efficient photocatalyst recycling process.