Abstract
This communication reports the development of a new high-efficiency visible-light photocatalyst by coupling p-type FeWO4 with n-type polyaniline (PANI). PANI/FeWO4 nanocomposite was synthesized through a facile composition-controllable solid liquid mixing-evaporation of solvent method. The composition and structure of the synthesized PANI/FeWO4 nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The photoabsorption and photogenerated charge separation and transfer performance of PANI/FeWO4 nanocomposite were compared with those of FeWO4 nanoparticles. The photocatalytic properties of PANI/FeWO4 nanocomposite and FeWO4 nanoparticles were tested in the reduction of aqueous Cr(VI) under visible-light (λ > 420 nm). The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of PANI/FeWO4 was significantly elevated compared to FeWO4. Coupling with PANI can increase the adsorption of Cr(VI), enhance the absorption of visible-light, and promote the separation and transfer of photogenerated charges of FeWO4, thus contributing to the better photocatalytic activity of PANI/FeWO4.
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