Conjugated conducting polymers PANI decorated Bi12O17Cl2 photocatalyst with extended light response range and enhanced photoactivity

In this work, PANI/Bi12O17Cl2 composites have been successfully synthesized via a simple and green strategy at room temperature. From TEM, EDS-mapping and DRS results, it can be seen that conducing polymers PANI loaded well on the Bi12O17Cl2, and extended the light-absorption region of the composite to a higher wavelength. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by removal of CIP under visible light (lambda > 420 nm). The degradation rate of the optimal ratio composite is about 2 times to that of Bi12O17Cl2. The photodegradation intermediates of CIP were identified by mass spectrometry and the toxicity of the CIP photodegraded products were investigated via a microbiological antibacterial reaction. The results indicated the low-toxicity of the degraded products. Photocurrent results showed that the high separation and transfer of the photogenerated charge carriers were implemented by the introduction of PANI into the surface of Bi12O17Cl2 material. Furthermore, long wavelength light (lambda > 550 nm) degradation of CIP indicated that the PANI played as photosentizer could extend the light absorption region and thus enhance the photocatalytic ability. The reaction rate constant of optimal ratio PANI/Bi12O17Cl2 composite was 3.1 times to Bi12O17Cl2. Eventually, a possible photocatalysis mechanism was proposed.