Synthesis of polyaniline/TiO2 composite with excellent adsorption performance on acid red G

Abstract

A polyaniline-modified TiO₂ (PANI/TiO₂) composite was designed and synthesized via the in situ chemical polymerization of aniline monomer in the as-prepared TiO₂ solution. The composite was employed as a novel reusable adsorbent based on the unique doping–dedoping properties of polyaniline. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were combined to characterize the chemical structure and morphology of PANI/TiO₂. The adsorption–desorption characteristics of polyaniline/TiO₂ (PANI/TiO₂) on Acid Red G (ARG) were further investigated. The prepared adsorbent possessed excellent adsorption and regeneration performances with the adsorption equilibrium time in about 5 min and the maximum adsorption capacity at 454.55 mg g⁻¹. The possible adsorption mechanism was proposed to be associated with the doping–dedoping behaviors of the PANI chain.