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

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.