Multifunctional Applications of Graphene‑Doped PMMA Nanocomposite Membranes for Environmental Photocatalytic

Abstract

Graphene (GNP)-filled polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared using a facile casting method. Nanocomposites were fully identified through X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy which confirms some interactions between PMMA and GNP layers lead to a reduction in nanocomposite crystallinity. In this work, the impact of graphene on the optical, electrical characteristics and photocatalytic activity of PMMA polymeric matrix. The rapid increase in absorbance values was observed in the UV-region was linked to the optical transitions of GNP electrons from the valence band to the conduction band. Both the bandgaps (Eg d and Eg ind) have been reduced with graphene addition. The calculated Urbach’s Band tail has been increased with GNP content. With the enhanced frequency and GNP contents, the AC electrical conductivity tends to rise. A 1.665 wt% GNP/PMMA exhibits the most effective activity in amoxicillin photodegradation under visible radiation at 30 min due to decrease electron–hole recombination. The kinetics of the photodegradation process was investigated. The GNP/ PMMA nanocomposites are a promising candidate in electronic, optoelectrical and environmental applications.