Synergic effect of polyaniline and ZnO to enhance the photocatalytic activity of their nanocomposite

In modern era of nanoscience and technology synergic effect of polyaniline and ZnO in their nanocomposites has drawn more attention due to its versatile properties and applications. In our present study, ZnO has separately been prepared by hydrothermal method for the composites. Orthophosphoric acid doped polyaniline and ZnO (10 wt%, 20 wt%, and 30 wt%) composites have been prepared by chemical oxidative polymerization method. Surface morphology and crystal structure of the samples were characterized by FESEM and XRD respectively. FESEM images show that increase in nanoflower-like ZnO in composites, formation of nanocoral cluster like morphology is preferred due increased interaction between polyaniline and ZnO. UV–vis absorbance spectroscopy of the samples was performed within 200–800 nm. Band gap of the samples was calculated using Tauc plot and was found to vary from 1.96 eV to 2.07 eV with increasing wt% of ZnO. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the samples were recorded within 300–700 nm. PL emission of polyaniline is suppressed in its composites. Spectra show quenching with increase of ZnO wt%. Photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the composites, tested on methylene blue, is enhanced with increase of ZnO weight percent. (paper)