Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B (2025)

The synthesis of biodegradable PANI/Cellulose/Ni nanocomposites using hydrothermal and coprecipitation methods for enhanced photocatalytic and antifungal performance. As nickel nanoparticles (Ni) were generated by hydrothermal reduction, polyaniline (PANI) was synthesised by oxidative polymerisation and cellulose was included in a one-pot polymerisation method. Improved crystallinity in the resultant PANI/C/Ni nanocomposites resulted from a synergistic impact between the components, hence increasing photocatalytic activity. Successful Ni and cellulose integration was confirmed by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and UV-Vis analysis, so helping to lower band gap, improve charge carrier separation, and increase surface area. Reactive Orange-16 dye's photocatalytic degradation revealed that, in visible light, the PANI/C/Ni composite attained a degradation efficiency of 93.5% showing better performance than other systems. These bio-nanocomposites present an environmentally acceptable alternative for pollution management and antifungal treatment, therefore highlighting their potential for use.