A laminated spherical composite assembled by alternating polyaniline and titania nanosheets with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

A laminated polyaniline@titania nanosheets spherical composite is fabricated on polystyrene sulfonate latex template through alternating in-situ polymerization and electrostatic self-assembly technique for the first time. The scanning electron microscopy images, X-ray powder diffraction patterns, and fourier transform infrared spectra accurately record this process. Additionally, diffuse reflectance UV–visible analysis demonstrates that laminated composite exhibits significant absorption in the visible region, whereas the titania (Ti_0.91O₂) nanosheets only absorb ultraviolet light. This laminated spherical composite greatly improves the photocatalytic activity enabled by slowing charge recombination, increasing specific surface area and maximizing absorption optical efficiency, which is clearly evidenced by the degradation of Rhodamine B compared to bare Ti_0.91O₂ nanosheets under visible-light irradiation. The composite would be a promising candidate in the applications in novel electronic devices, photovoltaic cells, and sensors. - Highlights: • A laminated polyaniline@titania nanosheets spherical composite is synthesized. • The composite extends absorption optical range and slows charge recombination. • The unique structure enhances light utilization and specific surface area. • The composite behaves an enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity.