Fabrication and exploration the structural and optical properties of Sb2O3-GO nanostructures doped PMMA-PC for photodegradation of pollutants dyes

In this work, the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-polycarbonate (PC)/antimony oxide (Sb2O3)- graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites films were prepared to use in photo-degradation of organic dyes with low-cost and high activity. The structural, optical and photo-degradation properties of (PMMA-PC/Sb2O3-GO) nanocomposites were studied. The optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests were examined to describe the structural properties and the changes in the surface morphology of nanocomposites. The optical properties were tested in the wavelength ranged (260-860) nm. The results showed an improvement in the structural and optical properties with an increase in the (Sb2O3-GO) NPs content. The absorbance (A) of PMMA-PC blend increased about 55%, and the optical conductivity increased about 35% with the addition of 5.6 wt. % of Sb2O3-GO NPs. The energy gap (E-g) reduced from 3.73 eV for PMMA-PC blend to 1.77 eV with rise in the Sb2O3-GO NPs. The optical parameters of PMMA-PC blend were improved with adding of the Sb2O3-GO NPs. The photo-degradation behaviour of PMMA-PC/Sb2O3-GO nanocomposites against pollutants dyes was investigated. The results illustrated the existence of multivalent states of Sb2O3 and GO ions together enhanced photons absorption, inhibited the recombination of photo-generated charges, and consequently enhanced the photocatalytic efficiency of (PMMA-PC/Sb2O3-GO) nanocomposites. Finally, The (PMMA-PC/Sb2O3-GO) nanocomposites showed high photo-activity and stability and can be adopted as promising nanomaterials for different optical, environmental and industrial applications.