Synthesis and application of benzenesulfonic acid doped polyaniline nanorods for decolorization of simulated remazol effluent

Benzenesulfonic acid-doped polyaniline nanorods were synthesized by oxidative polymerization of aniline and were subsequently used for the decolorization of simulated reactive dye bath effluent. Transmission electron micrograph showed that the size of the nanorods varied from 60 to 90 nm. Fourier transform infrared pattern of nanorods indicate that sulfonic acid was successfully doped on polyaniline nanorods. Under optimized conditions, sulfonic acid doped polyaniline nanorods decolorized 78% of simulated reactive dye bath effluent. The modified Freundlich model and modified pseudo-first-order model showed satisfactory fit for dye decolorization. The crystalline nature of the nanorods was modified after adsorption of dyes. The results of the study indicate that benzenesulfonic acid doped polyaniline could be used for the treatment of textile wastewaters.