Eco-friendly conductive polymer-based nanocomposites, BiVO4/graphene oxide/polyaniline for excellent photocatalytic performance

In this study, we describe the structure of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4)/graphene oxide/polyaniline (PANI) compound with exploited interfacial coupling, their use as visible-light photocatalysts and safety property. Thin graphene oxide sheets could completely cover BiVO4 polyhedrons with vastly conductive polymer PANI through an evaporation-induced hydrothermal process. The enhanced surface adsorption outcome of GO, a huge improvement in the photoactivity of BiVO4, has been proved through the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and safranin O (SO) upon the covering of polyaniline. The improved photocatalytic activity is recognized for the development of well-defined BiVO4/GO/PANI interfaces which considerably increases the charge separation efficacy. Conversely, safety aspects are investigated for identifying the toxicity of samples on the different kinds of bacteria. Our study found that in the existence of every sample the bacteria could not be killed throughout the culture medium. Considering its ease of preparation and excellent performance, BiVO4/GO/PANI could be a promising, competitive and safe visible-light-driven photocatalyst in the field of environmental remediation.