Photoconversion and photoelectron storage coatings based on PANI, BiVO4 and graphene

Based on one of the most abundant resources on earth—sunlight, photocathodic protection (PCP) coating is a photoelectron-saving and intelligent anti-corrosion measure. Herein, we created a photoconversion and photoelectron storage coating composed of epoxy resin matrix, graphene, and sunlight-responsive polyaniline@bismuth vanadate nanocomposites (PANI@BiVO4). The PANI@BiVO4 nanocomposites were evenly distributed into the 3D network formed by graphene flakes. Such a unique design allows for storing the generated electrons, from the photoelectric conversion of BiVO4 upon light exposure, in the layer of PANI via electrochemical reactions. The stored electrons can be released along the 3D conductive graphene network to the metal interface even in dark conditions for more than 12 h.