Vol. 13, Issue 6 (2025)

In this study, a novel bio-nanocomposite comprising polypyrrole (Ppy), chitosan (C), and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (Ppy/C/Z) was successfully synthesized and comprehensively characterized to evaluate its structural, morphological, optical, and electrochemical properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation and crystallinity of the composite, while Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated strong interactions among the constituent components. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) revealed a uniform nanostructure with well-dispersed ZnO nanorods, further supported by energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping. Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) demonstrated a reduced bandgap, enhancing the composite's light absorption efficiency. Electrochemical studies exhibited a significant increase in electroactive surface area and charge transfer capabilities. The composite displayed excellent photocatalytic activity in the degradation of Reactive Orange-16 dye, indicating its applicability in environmental remediation. The synergistic combination of biopolymer stability and nanomaterial functionality renders the Ppy/C/Z nanocomposite a promising candidate for advanced applications in photocatalysis, sensing, and biomedical engineering