NiO@PAN-SA nanocomposites: a multifunctional material excelling in dye degradation and antimicrobial applications

Abstract

The efficacy of NiO@PAN-SA nanocomposites in dye degradation is attributed to their high surface area, abundant active sites, and the catalytic activity of NiO. These features facilitate the adsorption and subsequent breakdown of organic dyes through various mechanisms, including photocatalysis and Fenton-like reactions. This makes them particularly effective in treating industrial wastewater contaminated with recalcitrant dyes, offering a sustainable and economically viable solution to a pressing environmental concern. Beyond their remarkable performance in degrading pollutants, NiO@PAN-SA nanocomposites also exhibit potent antimicrobial properties. The presence of NiO nanoparticles, known for their ability to generate reactive oxygen species plays a crucial role in disrupting bacterial cell membranes and inhibiting microbial growth. In this study, Nickel Oxide-Polyacrylonitrile-Sodium Alginate (NiO@PAN- SA) nanocomposites were synthesized with different NiO concentrations (10%– 50%) to assess their antibacterial, antifungal, and dye adsorption properties. The produced nanocomposites were evaluated by FTIR, PXRD, FESEM and TEM, confirming the successful integration of NiO NP’s into the PAN-SA matrix. The antibacterial efficacy was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus 13 mm and Escherichia coli at 100 μg/mL, whereas antifungal effectiveness was examined against Aspergillus niger up to 15 mm, revealing concentration-dependent inhibition. The nanocomposites demonstrated substantial adsorption effectiveness for ∼92% Rhodamine B and ∼88% of Malachite Green, with the highest 50% NiO concentration attaining maximal degradation after 5 hours. The findings highlight the efficacy of NiO@PAN-SA nanocomposites as potent antibacterial agents and materials for dye removal in environmental remediation. The composites effectively inhibited the growth of S. aureus, E. coli , and Aspergillus niger , with greater inhibition at higher NiO concentrations. They also demonstrated significant efficiency in degrading dyes like Rhodamine B and Malachite Green. These findings suggest potential applications in biomedical and material sciences, especially for antimicrobial coatings and environmental remediation. Future research will explore stability, reusability, cost-effectiveness, and scalability for industrial use.