Visible light photocatalytic degradation of dyes by a new polyaniline/β-Bi2O3 composite

A new polyaniline-modified beta-Bi2O3 photocatalyst (PANI/beta-Bi2O3 composite) was prepared via the chemical oxidative polymerization. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-Vis absorption spectra were used to characterize the phase structure, morphology, and optical properties of the samples, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared samples was evaluated by degrading Acid orange 7(AO 7), and the highest photocatalytic activity was shown by PB-3 (5%). Compared with pure beta-Bi2O3, 30% photocatalytic activity can be improved by the PB-3. PANI modification can effectively enhance the photocatalytic activity of the beta-Bi2O3. The possible photocatalytic mechanism of the PANI/beta-Bi2O3 composite was proposed.