PANI/g-C3N4 composites synthesized by interfacial polymerization and their thermal stability and photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Polyaniline (PANI) nanorods grown on layered graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3N 4) sheets are synthesized by interfacial polymerization. The structure, morphology, and properties of the photocatalysts are characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and electrochemical analysis. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue is investigated to determine the photoactivity of the catalyst. The results suggest that g-C3N4 possesses good dispersion with an intercalated nanostructure and interfacial adhesion with PANI. In addition, the PANI/g-C3N4 composites retain the advantage of high thermal stability resident with g-C 3N4. This is ascribed to a physical barrier effect on the emanation of degradation products and inhibited polymer motion. The resulting composites also show more intensive photocatalytic activity than does g-C 3N4.