Synthesis and characterization of branched polypyrrole/titanium dioxide photocatalysts

Polymer composites synthesized by fractal growth of polypyrrole in the presence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles were investigated as potential photocatalysts. These branched structures are characterized by high surface area and improved action as photocatalyst in the degradation of rhodamine B. The resulting absorption of photons in the visible region and low rate of electron-hole recombination with adequate generation of radicals for subsequent N-deethylation of rhodamine B represent important aspects which corroborate potential application of new composite as efficient photocatalyst. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.