Catalytic degradation of rhodamine B by titanium dioxide doped polydopamine photoresponsive composites

Abstract

Titanium dioxide-based materials treat wastewater contaminated by organic pollutants. However, the wide band gap and the ease of agglomeration limit its photocatalytic activity. PDA/PEI@TiO₂@P-HSM composites were synthesized using PDA/PEI as an interfacial bonding modifier via polymerization reaction. Phase and chemical bonding analysis confirmed the modifiedTiO₂ coated P-HSM, which can effectively reduce the band gap and control the agglomeration of titanium dioxide, i.e., suitable to degrade RhB. Under UV irradiation, PDA/PEI @TiO₂@P-HSM can remove RhB up to 90 % in 100 min. The photocatalytic degradation process conforms to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood quasi-primary equation. The composite exhibited excellent stability and recycling i.e., a high removal effect, with a removal rate of up to 60 % after seven cycles of reaction.

Keywords: Composite material; PDA/PEI; degradation; photocatalysis.