Determining the Optimum Conditions for Photocatalytic Dye Removal by Polyaniline/Graphene Nano-Composite Under Visible Light Irradiation

In this research polyaniline/Graphene nanocompoite has been prepared through in situ polymerization and was used as a photocatalist to degrade acid red 14 dye under visible light irradiation. SEM and XRD tests were used to characterize the morphological properties of nanocomposite. The effect of different parameters such as initial dye concentration, nanocomposite dosage, pH and temperature on the activity of the nanocomposite towards the degradation process was investigated. The optimum efficiency of 98 percent and breaking of the main bonds of dye molecule was happened under dye concentration of 80 mg/L, PANI/Gr dosage of 0.6 gr/L, pH=7 and T= 25 oC after 150 min irradiation time. Over 95 percent of COD was also removed after 300 minutes.