Synthesis of PPy-ZnO composite used as photocatalyst for the degradation of diclofenac under simulated solar irradiation.

Graphical abstract Highlights • PPy-ZnO was synthesized via polymerization. • This is the first time that a composite PPy-ZnO was used for the PC degradation of DCF. • The PPy-ZnO demonstrated to be highly active for DCF PC degradation. • The photocatalyst showed stability and capability of reuse. • PPy-ZnO was more effective in the photodegradation of DCF than ZnO. Abstract A composite photocatalyst consisting of polypyrrole (PPy) and zinc oxide (ZnO) was successfully synthesized via a polymerization method. Different characterization techniques confirmed that ZnO was intimately attached on PPy. The photocatalytic activity of PPy-ZnO composite was studied experimentally for the degradation of diclofenac (DCF) under simulated solar light irradiation at ambient conditions. It was indicated that the photocatalytic rate constant of PPy-ZnO was nearly 2 times higher than that of ZnO. Through tests with scavengers, h+ was shown to be the main oxidative species responsible for the degradation of DCF by PPy-ZnO, resulting in 81% degradation of the molecule in merely 60 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]