Photodegradation of methylene blue with PVA/PVP blend under UV light irradiation

Abstract

Homogenous films of PVA/PVP blend (1:1) doped with different levels of methylene blue dye (MB) were prepared using the casting technique. The absorption spectra of doped PVA/PVP blend showed two absorption peaks due to the chromophor groups of MB while the pure PVA/PVP blend does not. The UV irradiation causes photodegradation of MB dye. The recovery of photodegraded MB is observed after keeping the sample 3h in atmospheric air. The value of the optical energy gap (E_g) decreases with increasing the doping levels with MB. The spectral distribution of absorption index (k) and refractive index (n) are determined from the reflection and transmission spectra in the spectral range 200-2500nm. The dependence of both n and k on wavelength of the incident light and the wt% content of MB in PVA/PVP blend is discussed. A normal dispersion observed at wavelength λ>370nm for pure PVA/PVP blend and λ>800nm for MB doped samples. The obtained results suggest the possible use of the studied system in many applications.

Keywords: Methylene blue; Optical parameters; PVA/PVP blend; Photodegradation.