Dual-functionality of C3N5/CeO2-enhanced polyaniline nanocomposites in photocatalysis and energy storage

In this work, easy synthesis of CeO 2 nanoparticle-hybridized g-C 3 N 5 /PANI composites is carried out to investigate their interfacial effects on the photocatalytic degradation of Cango Red (CR). The synthesised CeO 2 @g-C 3 N 5 /PANI (Polyaniline) exhibited prevailing photocatalytic activity in contrast to g-C 3 N 5 , CeO 2 and CeO 2 @g-C 3 N 5 . CeO 2 -facilitated photoinduced charge transfer between g-C 3 N 5 and PANI is accountable for the CeO 2 @g-C 3 N 5 /PANI nanocomposite's increased photocatalytic activity. The five recycling tests are used to observe a strengthening of the nanocomposite. Additionally, we elucidated the redox process involving the CeO 2 @g-C 3 N 5 /PANI nanostructure to understand the enhanced electrochemical properties of the composite. The CeO 2 @g-C 3 N 5 /PANI nanostructure exhibited an improvement in the specific capacitance from 230.73 to 76.53 F/g. The composite shows exceptional rate capacitance and satisfactory cyclic stability for up to 2000 cycles at a maximum current density of 20 A g −1 . The assynthesized CeO 2 @g-C 3 N 5 //PANI nanocomposite was fabricated as an electrode to analyse its charge and discharge behaviour. Furthermore, the asymmetric supercapacitor exhibited a remarkable specific capacitance (256 Fg −1 at 2 mV s −1 ) elevated energy density (1.72 Wh kg −1 ) and outstanding power density (1287 W kg −1 ).