Synthesis of P3HT Base Semiconducting Hybrid Films and Their Photocatalytic Properties

Regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (rr-P3HT) was employed as the supporting polymeric matrix to generate hybrid composite films by mixing with natural zeolites, ZnO, and TiO₂. Several P3HT-based hybrid composite films were deposited by a convenient method, characterized, and applied to the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine 6G (R6G). The photocatalytic activity of the hybrid composite films was analyzed by degradation of R6G solutions (blank) under UV radiation (365 nm) and sunlight. It was observed that the photocatalytic activity of the composite films was higher as compared to the neat films of P3HT. This behavior was attributed to the extended photoresponse of the coupled organic–inorganic semiconductor system, facilitating separation of photogenerated carriers due to the strong interfacial interaction. The highest proportion of decolorization ratio of R6G obtained was close to 100%, and it was observed for the composite films P3HT/TiO₂/ZnO and P3HT/chabazite/TiO₂/ZnO under UV irradiation. Under sunlight, 99% and 97% decolorization ratios were obtained for P3HT/TiO₂ and P3HT/TiO₂/ZnO composite films, respectively. ©2019, American Coatings Association.