Activated carbon modified with nickel (Ni-AC) was employed the for preparation of Ni-activated carbon/$TiO_2$ (Ni-AC/$TiO_2$) composites. The $N_2$ adsorption data showed that the composites had a decreased surface area compared with pristine AC. This indicated blocking of the micropores on the surface of the AC, which was further supported by observation via SEM. XRD results showed that the Ni-AC/$TiO_2$ composite contained a mixed anatase and rutile phase while the untreated AC/$TiO_2$ contained only a typical single and clear anatase phase. EDX results showed the presence of C, O, and Ti with Ni peaks on the composites of Ni-AC/$TiO_2$. Subsequently, the photocatalytic effects on methylene blue (MB) were investigated. The improved decomposition of MB showed the combined effects of adsorptions and photo degradation. In particular, composites treated with Ni enhanced the photo degradation behaviors of MB.