Polyaniline, Chitosan and Metal Oxide based Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization, and Their Water Remediation Applications

The persistent release of dye contaminants and heavy metals into aquatic environments poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human health. Emerging as viable solutions, chitosan (Ch) and polyaniline (PANI) based materials and their composites with metal oxides (MO) offer numerous advantages, including enhanced chemical, mechanical, and thermal stability and environmental friendliness. These materials, which integrate functional groups such as -NH₂, -OH, and -NH-, exhibit remarkable efficacy in adsorbing textile dyes and heavy metals. This comprehensive review explores the synthesis, characterization, and critical applications of chitosan, PANI, and MO-based nanocomposites in water remediation. It emphasizes their potential in water remediation through adsorption and photocatalysis for removing dyes, heavy metals, and other organic contaminants of dye adsorption. By highlighting challenges and identifying critical areas for further research, this review aims to advance the development of efficient and sustainable solutions for water purification.