Photocatalysis can be used to convert harmful organic contaminants into water and carbon dioxide. Current photocatalytic methods require the use of ultraviolet lamps that are expensive and require fixed infrastructures. These systems are not portable or financially feasible for developing areas in which there is a great need for clean water. Novel photocatalytic nanocomposites that contain electroactive polymers can lower the activation energy required for photocatalysis and make use of the abundant solar light available. This technology would result in photocatalytic nanocomposites that provide cost-effective and sustainable water purification systems. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is one of the most promising and widely known electroactive polymers, due to its stability and low band gap (1.6eV). Here, we have investigated two systems to compare their properties and efficiencies as visible light photocatalysts using methyl orange (MO) dye as an organic contaminant model. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) powder with and without titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were coated with electroactive polymers via oxidative polymerization. PEDOT and a PEDOT functionalized with solubilizing dodecyl groups (PEDOTC12) were studied. PAN and PAN/TiO2 blends were electrospun to form nanofiber mats that were coated with PEDOT and PEDOTC12 via oxidative polymerization. Photocatalytic studies were conducted on the electroactive powders and electroactive nanofiber mats using a solar simulator lamp, simulating the power of one sun for one hour. Samples were taken at regular intervals with and without irradiation. Absorbance values were collected using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer to monitor MO concentration changes. Results show that PAN/TiO2 and PAN/TiO2/PEDOT electroactive powders under irradiation reduce the concentration of MO by 20 and 40%, respectively, in just one hour. These results confirm our hypothesis that the combination of a highly conjugated electroactive polymer and TiO2 in visible light.

Electroactive polymer nanocomposites for photocatalysis

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.