Synthesis and characterization of branched polypyrrole/titanium dioxide photocatalysts

• We prepared highly branched polymeric composites for photocatalytic application.
• Fractal growth of polypyrrole improves the surface area of device.
• Photodegradation of rhodamine B takes place under action of PPy/TiO2 composite.
• Dopants improve the photocatalytic action of resulting device under visible-light illumination.

Polymer composites synthesized by fractal growth of polypyrrole in the presence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles were investigated as potential photocatalysts. These branched structures are characterized by high surface area and improved action as photocatalyst in the degradation of rhodamine B. The resulting absorption of photons in the visible region and low rate of electron–hole recombination with adequate generation of radicals for subsequent N-deethylation of rhodamine B represent important aspects which corroborate potential application of new composite as efficient photocatalyst.

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