Diazonium-modified TiO_2/polyaniline core/shell nanoparticles. Structural characterization, interfacial aspects and photocatalytic performances

摘要

Dyes are important in many industrial sectors but represent a threat if they are discharged in waste water. In this global concern, novel TiO2-polymer nanocomposites were designed for the removal of methyl orange (MO), a model pollutant. In this process, polyaniline (PANI) was prepared by in situ polymerization of aniline on TiO2 nanoparticles grafted with 4-diphenylamine (DPA) groups from diazonium salt. PANI loading was very high on diazonium-modified TiO2 and withstood leaching in polar solvents compared to the low loading and poor adhesion noted for bare TiO2.