Intercalated network of graphene oxide (GO)-CuO- polythiophene (PTh) hybrid nanocomposite for photocatalytic applications

摘要

This work aims in designing intercalated structure based carbon (Graphene oxide) photocatalytic nanocomposite integrating polythiophene (PTh) and cupric oxide, Graphene oxide serving the purpose of conducting electrons, PTh performing the dual role of donor and hole conducting layer. This nanocomposite was synthesized by aqueous chemical method. Structural properties of the nanocomposite were studied by XRD which shows good crystallinity. FTIR and RAMAN shifts confirm the presence of essential functional groups of each element in the nanocomposite. The optical study assures good absorbance in the UV-VIS region notably in the UV-C region. Morphological characterizations were studied by SEM and TEM analysis which shows a well ordered interconnecting network for the movement of excitons. The nanocomposite has a hydrogen production rate of 205.16 μmol h~(-1) showing quantum efficiency of 12.96 %, degradation efficiency of MB by 83.15 % and shows better UV-shielding property.