P3HT colloid stability study and its application in the degradation of methylene blue dye under UV radiation conditions

Abstract

This work evaluates the stability of poly(3-HexylThiophene) (P3HT) polymer when exposed to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation in both film and colloid form. The P3HT colloid form showed improved stability in comparison to the film form: P3HT film was stable for 24 h of UV radiation, while P3HT colloids were stable at different times (24, 52, 120 h). The concentration was an important parameter for the stability of the P3HT colloids, 0.2% (w/v) promoting a better interaction between the adjacent particles and the surfactant plays an important role as a radiation filter and as an adsorbed material.In addition, P3HT colloids were tested as catalytic material involved in the degradation process of Methylene Blue dye, achieving a catalytic efficiency within a range of 80–100%. The photostability of P3HT colloids and the degradation studies derive from absorption spectra. The results evidence advantages in the use of these particles, since the approach presented offers an alternative in additive free catalytic applications.