Preparation, characterization and photochemical degradation of dyes under UV light irradiation by inorganic-organic nanocomposite

An inorganic-organic nanocomposite consisting of 12-tungstophosphoric acid (H3PW12O40) supported on Polyaniline (PANI) has been successfully synthesized by one-step and two-step methods. X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and electronic absorption spectroscopy indicated that the Polyphosphotungstate (PPT) was chemically attached to the PANI support; the primary Keggin structure remained intact. The photocatalytic and sonocatalytic activity of PPT/PANI was tested by degradation of organic dyes such as Methylene Blue, Rhodamin B, Bromothymol Blue, Methyl Orange and Nylosan Black 2-BC in aqueous solution; the nanocomposite showed higher photocatalytic and sonocatalytic activity than pure polyphosphotungstate or pure PANI.