Fabrication of PVA/TiO Composites Via Green Synthesis and Assessment of their Photodegradation and Anti-Germ Capabilities

Since the advent of nanotechnology, nanocomposites (NCs) have been synthesized via novel approaches. In this regard, polymer-based NCs have been widely explored due to their exceptional characteristics as a result of the incorporation of nanofillers into the polymer matrix. In the present research, the synthesis of titanium oxide (TiO) nanoparticles (NPs) was synthesized using Azadirachta indica seed extract. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used to synthesize metal oxide NCs. Using the solution casting approach, PVA/TiO NC films with various weight percentages of TiO NPs (2, 4, 6, and 8%) were fabricated. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were employed to characterize the TiO and PVA/TiO NCs. The antibacterial activity of the TiO NPs and PVA/TiO NCs was investigated against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative (Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. Methyl orange and methylene blue breakdown of undoped TiO and PVA/TiO nanomixture was examined under UV–visible irradiation. Uniformly dispersed nanoflake particles were visible in the PVA film matrix and on the 4% TiO NC surface. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that TiO NPs synthesized using a higher concentration of the extract showed larger crystallite sizes, whereas those fabricated using a lower concentration of plant extract showed larger crystallite sizes. Among the different concentrations investigated, 4% PVA/TiO NCs showed the highest extent of degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange. Furthermore, these NCs showed the highest antibacterial activity.