Enhancing the Performance and Recyclability of Polyaniline/TiO2 Hybrid Nanocomposite by Immobilizing with Zein/Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Composites for Removal of Anionic Dyes

Fabrication of a stable, recyclable and eco-friendly photocatalyst for dye treatment is vital in sustaining clean ecosystem. In this regard, polyaniline/TiO2 (PANI/TiO2) was immobilized by zein/hydroxyethyl cellulose (zein/HEC) adhesive to enhance recyclability catalytic activity. The blending zein/HEC/PANI/TiO2 involves situ oxidative polymerization, followed immobilization with zein/HEC functionalized composites. PANI/TiO2 composite successfully grafted the through physicochemical interaction, as evidenced field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD). simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) results show that has best stability relative PANI recommended range degradation temperature. effect external factors like TiO2 nanoparticle proportion, pH solution catalyst dosage studied response capacity. synthesized efficient degrade methyl orange wide pH. kinetics catalysis reaction obeys first order kinetics. maximum efficiency achieved 97.9% 84.3% presence absence light, respectively. easily recovered decantation its efficacy more than 94% after 5 cycles. Hence, it promising alternative decolourizing anionic dyes from wastewater.