A novel incorporating style of polyaniline/TiO2 composites as effective visible photocatalysts

Herein we obtain a novel incorporating style of polyaniline (PANI)/TiO2 composites (Ns) via a designed two-step route. In comparison with conventional incorporating style (Cs), one-dimensional (1D) PANI is introduced in the step of TiO2 crystal growth instead of after crystallization. During the hydrothermal process, 1D PANI can act as an effective template to stabilize TiO2 particles at nanoscale through interfacial chemical bonds. In this way, the transition of some newly formed anatase crystals to rutile phase is partly suppressed. Also, the as-prepared composites show obvious light response in a wide range of 230–900 nm due to the sensitizing effect of PANI. Ns exhibit the improved visible photocatalytic property with scarce decrease of UV photoactivity. Overall, this work would provide new insights into the fabrication of conducting polymer/semiconductor composites with desired nanostructure as high performance photocatalysts and would facilitate their applications in environmental purification and solar energy conversion.

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► New strategy for synthesis of polyaniline/TiO2 composites with desired structure.
► Polyaniline acts as an effective template in TiO2 system besides sensitizer.
► Composites possess high visible activity and similar UV activity compared to TiO2.