Perylene diimide anchored graphene 3D structure via π-π interaction for enhanced photoelectrochemical degradation performances

Abstract Perylene diimide (PDI) anchored graphene three-dimensional (3D) structure was constructed via a simple electrodeposition-impregnation strategy. The photoelectric catalysis removal rate is 8.2 or 4.5 times that of the only photo- or electro- catalysis. In dynamic degradation, the methylene blue removal ratio is 88.5% for PDI/rGO catalyst, much higher than pure PDI (56.3%). The stability is very high, and the activity did not decrease over 55 h. The enhanced photoelectric degradation ability is mainly attributed to the π-π interaction between PDI and rGO. PDI nanorods as photocatalytic building blocks are anchored uniformly on the surface of 3D graphene via π-π stacking. The promoted separation and mobility of carriers are related to the extended electron delocalization along the π-π stacking direction. Besides, the 3D structure with a high BET area (176 m2/g) enables the adsorption-enrichment capability and possesses the advantage of separation free and high stability.