Inorganic–organic nanohybrid of MoS2-PANI for advanced photocatalytic application

Abstract

In this work, the fabrication of MoS2-Polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites, by in situ polymerization, has been described and its application as a photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants such as methylene blue (MB) and 4-chlorophenol (4-CP), has been reported. The disadvantages of MoS2 such as poor electronic conductivity and agglomeration between the nanosheets, was overcome by intercalating 2D MoS2 layers with 1D conducting polymer, Polyaniline (PANI). The composite material was characterised by SEM, TEM, BET, XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy and XPS, indicating proper intercalation between MoS2 nanosheets and PANI. Consequently, the synthesized composites were used for the degradation of MB and 4-CP, followed by kinetic investigations to determine the rate kinetics. The photoactivity of the nanocomposite is explained by the transfer of photogenerated electrons from PANI to the CB of MoS2, thus preventing the direct recombination of electrons and holes. Hence, a positive synergistic effect between MoS2 and PANI resulted in efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes like MB.