Fabrication of PVA/TiO₂ 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 (TiO₂) 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/TiO₂ NC films with various weight percentages of TiO₂ 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 TiO₂ and PVA/TiO₂ NCs. The antibacterial activity of the TiO₂ NPs and PVA/TiO₂ 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 TiO₂ and PVA/TiO₂ nanomixture was examined under UV–visible irradiation. Uniformly dispersed nanoflake particles were visible in the PVA film matrix and on the 4% TiO₂ NC surface. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that TiO₂ 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/TiO₂ NCs showed the highest extent of degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange. Furthermore, these NCs showed the highest antibacterial activity.