Efficient Day-and-Night NO2 Abatement by Polyaniline/TiO2 Nanocomposites

Finding innovative and highly performing approaches for NOx degradation represents a key challenge to enhance the air quality of our environment. In this study, the high efficiency of PANI/TiO2 nanostructures in the NO2 abatement both in the dark and under light irradiation is demonstrated for the first time. Heterostructures were synthesized by a green method and their composition, structure, morphology and oxidation state were investigated by a combination of characterization techniques. The results show that the unique PANI structure promotes two mechanisms for the NO2 abatement in the dark (adsorption on the polymeric chains and chemical reduction to NO), whereas the photocatalytic behavior prevails under light irradiation, leading to the complete NOx degradation. The best-performing materials were subjected to recycling tests, thereby showing high stability without any significant activity loss. Overall, the presented material can represent an innovative and efficient night-and-day solution for NOx abatement.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates, for the first time, the high efficiency of PANI/TiO2 nanostructures in the removal of NO2 under dark and light conditions. The heterostructures were synthesized using a green method and characterized for their composition, structure, morphology, and oxidation state. The results show that the unique PANI structure promotes two mechanisms for NO2 removal in the dark (adsorption and chemical reduction), while photocatalytic behavior prevails under light irradiation, leading to complete NOx degradation. The best-performing materials exhibit high stability without significant activity loss during recycling tests. Overall, this material can provide an innovative and efficient solution for NOx abatement day and night.