Photoactive TiO2 films on cellulose fibres: synthesis and characterization

Enhancing the multifunctional properties of cellulose fabrics through in situ hydrothermal deposition of TiO2 nanoparticles at low temperature for antibacterial self-cleaning under UV-Vis illumination

This study aimed to improve the multifunctional properties (including photocatalysis, stability reusability, self-cleaning, antibacterial effects, and thermal radiation shielding) of cellulose fabrics through incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles. To achieve this, anatase TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized in situ and deposited onto cotton fabrics through hydrothermal method. The presence of TiO2 nanoparticles in cellulose fabrics greatly enhanced the photocatalytic efficiency and adsorption range and did not damage the fabric fibers. The TiO2-coated cotton exhibited an outstanding photocatalytic efficiency, with dye removal rates of 92.20 % ± 0.015 % and 99.68 % ± 0.002 % under UV-A and visible illumination, respectively. In addition, the material exhibited thermal radiation shielding properties, in which no heat absorption was observed within 60 min at 40 °C-70 °C. To further enhance the hydrophobicity, the TiO2-coated cotton was surface-modified with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDTS). The resulting PFDTS/TiO2-coated cotton was superhydrophobic with a water contact angle of 156.50° ± 0.05° with a sliding angle of 4.33° ± 0.47° and roughness of 67.35 nm. The superhydrophobicity of the PFDTS/TiO2-coated cotton also facilitated self-cleaning through water injection to remove soil impurities. Furthermore, the PFDTS/TiO2-coated cotton exerted antibacterial effects against gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria under UV-A or visible illumination. These nanocomposite fabrics with multifunctional properties have potential for industrial, military, and medical applications.

Fibrous TiO2 Alternatives for Semiconductor-Based Catalysts for Photocatalytic Water Remediation Involving Organic Contaminants

Water decontamination remains a challenge in several developed and developing countries. Affordable and efficient approaches are needed urgently. In this scenario, heterogeneous photocatalysts appear as one of the most promising alternatives. This justifies the extensive attention that semiconductors, such as TiO₂, have gained over the last decades. Several studies have evaluated their efficiency for environmental applications; however, most of these tests rely on the use of powder materials that have minimal to no applicability for large-scale applications. In this work, we investigated three fibrous TiO₂ photocatalysts, TiO₂ nanofibers (TNF), TiO₂ on glass wool (TGW), and TiO₂ in glass fiber filters (TGF). All materials have macroscopic structures that can be easily separated from solutions or that can work as fixed beds under flow conditions. We evaluated and compared their ability to bleach a surrogate dye molecule, crocin, under batch and flow conditions. Using black light (UVA/visible), our catalysts were able to bleach a minimum of 80% of the dye in batch experiments. Under continuous flow experiments, all catalysts could decrease dye absorption under shorter irradiation times: TGF, TNF, and TGW could, respectively, bleach 15, 18, and 43% of the dye with irradiation times as short as 35 s. Catalyst comparison was based on the selection of physical and chemical criteria relevant for application on water remediation. Their relative performance was ranked and applied in a radar plot. The features evaluated here had two distinct groups, chemical performance, which related to the dye degradation, and mechanical properties, which described their applicability in different systems. This comparative analysis gives insights into the selection of the right flow-compatible photocatalyst for water remediation.

Physicochemical and Photocatalytic Properties of 3D-Printed TiO2/Chitin/Cellulose Composite with Ordered Porous Structures

In this study, we printed three-dimensional (3D) titanium dioxide (TiO₂)/chitin/cellulose composite photocatalysts with ordered interconnected porous structures. Chitin microparticles were mixed with cellulose in the N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) solution to prepare the printing "ink". TiO₂ nanoparticles were embedded on the chitin/cellulose composite in the NMMO removal process by water before the freeze-drying process to build the 3D cellulosic photocatalysts with well-defined porous structures. The 3D-printed TiO₂/chitin/cellulose composites were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Disperse Spectroscopy (EDS). The XRD and FTIR analyses showed that chitin had an interference effect on the crystal regeneration of cellulose and resulted in a large amount of amorphous phase. The SEM images show that the printed cellulosic strands had a hollow structure, and the EDS analysis showed that TiO₂ nanoparticles were embedded on the chitin/cellulose composite surfaces. In the photocatalytic degradation process of methylene blue (MB) dye in an aqueous solution, the TiO₂/chitin/cellulose 3D composite photocatalysts demonstrated efficient MB degradation activities with excellent reusability and stability, in which the chitin content performed the function of adjusting the MB degradation efficiency.

Characterization and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles on cotton fabrics, for antibacterial masks

The in-situ impregnation of two commercial cotton fabrics (lab coat and Indiolino) with TiO₂ nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) was carried out. For this, two commercial cotton fabrics were dipped in titanium isopropoxide, titanium butoxide and titanium tetrachloride solutions to the TiO₂-NPs formation and in-situ TiO₂-NPs impregnation on the cotton fabric surface by the sonochemical, hydrothermal and solvothermal methods, respectively. The impregnated fabrics were characterized by ATR-FTIR, SEM–EDS, Raman, UV–Vis, DRS and tension tests. The results showed the successful formation and impregnation of TiO₂-NPs on both cotton fabrics. The leaching of TiO₂-NPs from cotton fabrics was negligible after several washing cycles. The self-cleaning properties and antibacterial activity of TiO₂-NPs functionalized cotton fabrics were assessed by photocatalytic and antibacterial tests. The photocatalytic activity was determined by the degradation of methylene blue dye under UV and solar irradiation. The materials showed good photoactivity, since MB was degraded up to 99% under solar and UV irradiations in 60 min. The bactericidal capacity of the TiO₂-NPs on fabrics, evaluated in-situ by SEM, showed that Indiolino presented the best antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Bacillus pumilus.

Synthesis of ppy–MgO–CNT nanocomposites for multifunctional applications

Cotton is one of the most important raw materials for textile and clothing production. The main drawbacks of cotton fibers are their poor mechanical properties and high flammability. Compared with some synthetic polymer fibers, cotton fabrics treated with modern flame-retardant and reinforcement finishes often cannot meet rigid military specifications. Polypyrrole–magnesium oxide (ppy–MgO) and polypyrrole–magnesium oxide–carbon nanotube (ppy–MgO–CNT) composites were prepared with various weight ratios by in situ chemical polymerization method. 1,2,3,4-Butane tetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) was used as a cross-linking agent in the presence of sodium hypophosphite (SHP). The composite sol was coated on cotton fabric using the pad-dry-cure technique. The coated cotton fabrics were characterized by SEM, EDAX, XRD, UV-DRS and FT-IR analysis, and tested for flame retardant and UPF application. The flame-retardant study showed a maximum char length of 0.3 cm and the char yield was about 49% for the ppy–MgO–CNT composite. For that UPF application, a 30 UPF value was shown for the ppy–MgO–CNT composite. In the case of the antibacterial study, the zone of inhibition was observed for all of the test samples against MRSA and PAO1 bacteria. The zone of inhibition showed as 4.0, 3.0 mm for the ppy–MgO–CNT composite. Hence, the ppy–MgO–CNT composite was found to be efficient.

Cotton is one of the most important raw materials for textile and clothing production.

Use of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Nanoparticles as Reinforcement Agent of Polysaccharide-Based Materials

In recent years, a strong interest has emerged in polysaccharide-hybrid composites and their potential applications, which have interesting functional and technological properties. This review summarizes and discusses the reported advantages and limitations of the functionalization of conventional and nonconventional polysaccharides by adding TiO2 nanoparticles as a reinforcement agent. Their effects on the mechanical, thermal, and UV-barrier properties as well as their water-resistance are discussed. In general, the polysaccharide–TiO2 hybrid materials showed improved physicochemical properties in a TiO2 content-dependent response. It showed antimicrobial activity against bacteria (gram-negative and gram-positive), yeasts, and molds with enhanced UV-protective effects for food and non-food packaging purposes. The reported applications of functionalized polysaccharide–TiO2 composites include photocatalysts (dye removal from aqueous media and water purification), biomedical (wound-healing material, drug delivery systems, biosensor, and tissue engineering), food preservation (fruits and meat), cosmetics (sunscreen and bleaching tooth treatment), textile (cotton fabric self-cleaning), and dye-sensitized solar cells. Furthermore, the polysaccharide–TiO2 showed high biocompatibility without adverse effects on different cell lines, indicating that their use in food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications is safe. However, it is necessary to evaluate the structural changes promoted by the storage conditions (time and temperature) on the physicochemical properties of polysaccharide–TiO2 hybrid composites to guarantee their stability during a determined time.

Photocatalytic oxidation of nitric oxide over AgNPs/TiO2-loaded carbon fiber cloths

Series of AgNPs/TiO₂-loaded carbon fiber cloth (CFC) composites were prepared by incorporation of pristine TiO₂ and three AgNPs-modified TiO₂ additives onto the surface of four commercial CFCs. AgNPs/TiO₂ photocatalysts were synthesized by the wet impregnation method, including NaBH₄ reduction of silver ions. The silver content in the modified photocatalyst was assessed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) as well as XRD analysis. It can be indicated that silver was successfully reduced to Ag nanoparticles what was confirmed by UV-Vis/DRS as well as XRD methods. The photocatalytic activity of the AgNPs/TiO₂-loaded CFCs was evaluated during the photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) tests of nitric oxide (NO) acting as a model air contaminant under UV light. It was found that the highest NO removal rate was observed for the AgNPs/TiO₂-loaded CFC material containing 3.70 wt% of AgNPs. Modification of TiO₂ with AgNPs stabilized the photocatalytic efficiency of the composites during 5 as well as 24 consecutive NO photooxidation cycles. It was also concluded that the presence of AgNPs was a key factor responsible for hindering NO₂ formation.

Titanium dioxide decorated natural cellulosic Juncus effusus fiber for highly efficient photodegradation towards dyes

The removal of dyes via photocatalytic degradation has been identified as an eco-friendly method for producing clean and purified water. Natural cellulosic fibers are significant renewable resource and important in a wide range of applications. Herein, we report a natural cellulosic Juncus effusus (JE) fiber with 3D network structure as a framework to provide controllable space for the growth of TiO₂ particles. The TiO₂-JE showed remarkable activity in the removal of C.I. Reactive Red 120 (RR120), C.I. Direct Yellow 12 (DY12), and methylene blue (MB) with a photodegradation efficiency of 99.9 % under simulated sunlight irradiation. Additionally, an orientate fabric was fabricated using the prepared TiO₂-JE fibers for the photocatalytic degradation of dye-contaminated water in the sun, further confirming its practical application. The TiO₂ decorated natural cellulosic JE fiber can be a promising material for photocatalysis and sustainable chemistry.

Synthesis and applications of nano-TiO2: a review

TiO₂-based nanomaterials have attracted prodigious attention as a photocatalysts in numerous fields of applications. In this thematic issue, the mechanism behind the photocatalytic activity of nano-TiO₂ as well as the critical properties have been reviewed in details. The synthesis routes and the variables that affect the size and crystallinity of nano-TiO₂ have also been discussed in detail. Moreover, a newly emerged class of color TiO₂, TiO₂ in aerogel form, nanotubes form, doped and undoped form, and other forms of TiO₂ have been discussed in details. Photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications and the type of nano-TiO₂ that is more suitable for these applications have been discussed in this review.

Characterization of soluble soybean (SSPS) polysaccharide and development of eco-friendly SSPS/TiO2 nanoparticle bionanocomposites

This research aims to characterization of soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) and development of a biodegradable SSPS nanocomposites prepared using various concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles. 13C NMR suggested that backbone of SSPS is rhamnogalacturonan [1→4)-α-GalAp-(1/2)-α Rhap(1→]. Weight average molecular weight, number average molecular weight (Mn) and polydispersity index (PDI) of SSPS were found to be 2.54×106g/mol, 5.54×106g/mol, and 4.5, respectively. The intrinsic viscosity of SSPS (0.33) was lower than most of hydrocolloids. With increasing TiO2 concentration, the water solubility, moisture content and water-vapor permeability (WVP) of SSPS-based nanocomposite films decreased. TiO2 addition led to an increase in the melting temperature to a maximum of 132°C for the SSPS nanocomposite with 5wt% TiO2. With increasing TiO2 concentrations from 5 to 15wt%, the melting temperature declined from 24 to 19°C. There were no significant agglomerates when the TiO2 concentrations were increased to 5wt%; however, when the concentration reached 15wt%, agglomerations were observed. With addition of TiO2 nanoparticles, tensile strength increased but elongation at break decreased. SSPS-based nanocomposite films demonstrated a promising range of antimicrobial activity. The current research clearly introduces a new antimicrobial composite which is potentially useful to prevent and treat infections.

In-situ development of highly photocatalytic multifunctional nanocomposites by ultrasonic acoustic method

Cotton-titania nanocomposites with multifunctional properties were synthesized through ultrasonic acoustic method (UAM). Ultrasonic irradiations were used as a potential tool to develop cotton-titania (CT) nanocomposites at low temperature in the presence of titanium tetrachloride and isopropanol. The synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX and ICP-OES methods. Functional properties i.e. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), self-cleaning, washing durability, antimicrobial and tensile strength of the CT nanocomposites were evaluated by different methods. Central composite design and response surface methodology were employed to evaluate the effects of selected variables on responses. The results confirm the simultaneous formation and incorporation of anatase TiO₂ with average crystallite size of 4nm on cotton fabric with excellent photocatalytic properties. The sustained self-cleaning efficiency of CT nanocomposites even after 30 home launderings indicates their excellent washing durability. Significant effects were obtained during statistical analysis for selected variables on the formation and incorporation of TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) on cotton and photocatalytic properties of the CT nanocomposites.

An overview on cellulose-based material in tailoring bio-hybrid nanostructured photocatalysts for water treatment and renewable energy applications

A combination between the nanostructured photocatalyst and cellulose-based materials promotes a new functionality of cellulose towards the development of new bio-hybrid materials for various applications especially in water treatment and renewable energy. The excellent compatibility and association between nanostructured photocatalyst and cellulose-based materials was induced by bio-combability and high hydrophilicity of the cellulose components. The electron rich hydroxyl group of celluloses helps to promote superior interaction with photocatalyst. The formation of bio-hybrid nanostructured are attaining huge interest nowadays due to the synergistic properties of individual cellulose-based material and photocatalyst nanoparticles. Therefore, in this review we introduce some cellulose-based material and discusses its compatibility with nanostructured photocatalyst in terms of physical and chemical properties. In addition, we gather information and evidence on the fabrication techniques of cellulose-based hybrid nanostructured photocatalyst and its recent application in the field of water treatment and renewable energy.

Photoactive Hybrid Catalysts Based on Natural and Synthetic Polymers: A Comparative Overview

In the present review, we would like to draw the reader's attention to the polymer-based hybrid materials used in photocatalytic processes for efficient degradation of organic pollutants in water. These inorganic-organic materials exhibit unique physicochemical properties due to the synergistic effect originating from the combination of individual elements, i.e., photosensitive metal oxides and polymeric supports. The possibility of merging the structural elements of hybrid materials allows for improving photocatalytic performance through (1) an increase in the light-harvesting ability; (2) a reduction in charge carrier recombination; and (3) prolongation of the photoelectron lifetime. Additionally, the great majority of polymer materials exhibit a high level of resistance against ultraviolet irradiation and improved corrosion resistance. Taking into account that the chemical and environmental stability of the hybrid catalyst depends, to a great extent, on the functional support, we highlight benefits and drawbacks of natural and synthetic polymer-based photocatalytic materials and pay special attention to the fact that the accessibility of synthetic polymeric materials derived from petroleum may be impeded due to decreasing amounts of crude oil. Thus, it is necessary to look for cheap and easily available raw materials like natural polymers that come from, for instance, lignocellulosic wastes or crustacean residues to meet the demand of the "plastic" market.

Layer-by-Layer Photocatalytic Assembly for Solar Light-Activated Self-Decontaminating Textiles

Novel photocatalytic nanomaterials that can be used to functionalize textiles, conferring to them efficient solar-light-activated properties for the decontamination of toxic and lethal agents, are described. Textiles functionalized with one-dimensional (1D) SnS₂-based nanomaterials were used for photocatalytic applications for the first time. We showed that 1D SnS₂/TiO₂ nanocomposites can be easily and strongly affixed onto textiles using the layer-by-layer deposition method. Ultrathin SnS₂ nanosheets were associated with anatase TiO₂ nanofibers to form nano-heterojunctions with a tight interface, considerably increasing the photo-oxidative activity of anatase TiO₂ due to the beneficial interfacial transfer of photogenerated charges and increased oxidizing power. Moreover, it is easy to process the material on a larger scale and to regenerate these functionalized textiles. Our findings may aid the development of functionalized clothing with solar light-activated photocatalytic properties that provide a high level of protection against chemical warfare agents.

Synthesis of Novel UV Absorbers Bisindolylmethanes and Investigation of Their Applications on Cotton-Based Textile Materials

Nowadays modified textiles, especially UV-protective, antibacterial and antimicrobial ones, have become the focus of great interest. In this study, several new UV absorbers, bis(indolyl)methane derivatives, were synthesized and grafted onto polyvinyl alcohol polymer (PVA). Their application properties on cotton-based textile materials were determined; the UV protection factor values of the modified fabrics were measured (UPF); and the antibacterial features of the fabrics were tested.

Designing rGO/MoS2 hybrid nanostructures for photocatalytic applications

Graphene and MoS₂, with their structural and morphological compatibility, can be well integrated to make new hybrid materials with enhanced catalytic properties, including the photodegradation of organic pollutants.

Hybrid paper–TiO2 coupled with a Cu2O heterojunction: an efficient photocatalyst under sun-light irradiation

Hybrid paper–TiO₂, paper–Cu₂O–TiO₂ and paper–TiO₂–Cu₂O photocatalysts were prepared via a non-hydrolytic sol–gel process followed by mild hydrothermal treatment to generate the TiO₂ layer, and a reduction process to form the Cu₂O nanoparticles.

Nano-fibrillated cellulose (NFC) as versatile carriers of TiO2 nanoparticles (TNPs) for photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Nano-fibrillated cellulose (NFC), an abundant natural biomacromolecule, can have many applications, such as support/carrier for nanoparticles, due to its unique properties.

Hybrid cotton–anatase prepared under mild conditions with high photocatalytic activity under sunlight

Cotton fibres were coated with nanolayers of TiO₂, anatase, using a new approach based on a non-hydrolytic sol–gel process followed by a mild hydrothermal treatment at a temperature lower than 140 °C.

In situ synthesis and hydrothermal crystallization of nanoanatase TiO2 -SiO2 coating on aramid fabric (HTiSiAF) for UV protection

TiO2 -SiO2 thin film was prepared by sol-gel method and coated on the aramid fabric to prepare functional textiles. The aramid fabric was dipped and withdrawn in TiO2 -SiO2 gel and hydrothermal crystallization at 80(°) C, then its UV protection functionality was evaluated. The crystalline phase and the surface morphology of TiO2 -SiO2 thin film were characterized using SEM, XRD, and AFM respectively. SEM showed hydrothermal crystallization led to a homogeneous dispersion of anatase nonocrystal in TiO2 -SiO2 film, and XRD suggested the mean particle size of the formed anatase TiO2 was less than 30 nm. AFM indicated that hydrothermal treatment enhanced the crystallization of TiO2 . UV protection analysis suggested that the hydrothermally treated coated textile had a better screening property in comparison with TiO2 -SiO2 gel and native aramid fabric.

Development of a multifunctional TiO2/MWCNT hybrid composite grafted on a stainless steel grating

A multifunctional TiO₂/MWCNT hybrid material grafted on durable and thermally inert stainless-steel grating is proposed, thus combining photodegradation with magnetic properties, which makes the recovery of a solution from a photocatalyst easier.

Titania synthesized through regulated mineralization of cellulose and its photocatalytic activity

Cellulose mineralization by titania is brought under control via restricted hydration of fibrils that provides precise localization of the fast hydration/condensation reactions proceeding in situ.

Effect of dicarboxylic acid chain length on the self-cleaning property of Nano-TiO2-coated cotton fabrics

In this study, the effect of dicarboxylic acid chain length on the amount of TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) adsorption-produced self-cleaning property and washing durability on cotton fabrics were investigated. First, cotton fabric samples were treated with three kinds of dicarboxylic acids--oxalic, succinic, and adipic acids--and then dipped in TiO2NP solution with a certain concentration. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was used to investigate bonds formation between dicarboxylic acid groups and hydroxyl groups of cellulose, and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was applied for the analysis of surface morphology in specimens. Drop absorbency time was determined for samples using the AATCC TM 79:2000. Washing stability and the amount absorption of TiO2NPs were determined by weighing and absorption spectrophotometry procedures, and the stain removal evaluation was conducted to assess the self-cleaning property. Results showed that all of the dicarboxylic acids used in this experiment improved the amount of TiO2NPs absorbed onto cotton samples and their durability to washing. In addition, color variation of samples treated with oxalic acid after 180 min of UV irradiation and drop absorbency time for samples treated with succinic acid were significantly increased by about 126 and 600%, respectively. The best durability was obtained from adipic acid, while a better self-cleaning property was obtained from oxalic acid.

Photocatalytic Finishing of Cotton Fabrics Based on Nano-Titanium Dioxide and Polyurethane Binder

In the textile industry, binders are used in fabric finishing processes to promote adhesion between a fiber surface and the particles of desired properties. In this research, a commercial polyurethane binder, Evo®Fin PUS, was used to attach photocatalytic TiO2nanoparticles (Degussa®, P-25) onto a cotton surface, in order to impart self-cleaning properties and to improve wash fastness. The cotton fabrics were finished with the aqueous dispersion of TiO2and the binder, consisting of 2, 4, and 6 % w/v for each component. Finishing was done via a pad-dry-cure process. Then a direct dye (C.I. Direct Blue 199), which was used as a model stain, was dropped onto each sample prior to 24-h illumination with simulated solar light. The self-cleaning properties were triggered by light and evaluated in terms of the reduction in color strength values (K/S) of the stain after exposure. The self-cleaning performance was preserved when the binder was added to the TiO2coating. However, washing reduced the self-cleaning performance of all samples because of the detachment of some TiO2particles, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Overall, improved wash fastness was observed with the help of binder. Samples were further analyzed for mechanical properties, crease recovery, and drapeability.

Characteristics and anticancer properties of bacterial cellulose films containing ethanolic extract of mangosteen peel

Bacterial cellulose (BC) films containing an ethanolic extract of mangosteen peel were prepared and their physical, chemical, and anticancer properties were characterized. The cumulative absorption and release profiles of bioactive compounds in the films were determined based on total phenolic and α-mangostin content. The BC films were filled with total phenolic compounds expressed as gallic acid equivalent varying from 4.72 to 275.91 mg/cm3 dried film, and α-mangostin varying from 2.06 to 248.20 mg/cm3 dried film. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy evaluation showed that there were weak interactions between the functional groups of the extract and the BC. Decreases in the water absorption capacity and water vapor transmission rate of the modified films were detected. Release studies were performed using Franz diffusion cells. In a non-transdermal system, the release of bioactive compounds from the films depended on concentration, immersion time, and the pH of the dissolution medium. A transdermal diffusion study showed that 59-62% of total phenolic compounds that were initially loaded were released from the films and more than 95% of bioactive compounds released from the films were adsorbed into pig skin. Only very small amount of the bioactive compounds penetrated through pig skin and into phosphate and acetate buffers. In studies of anticancer abilities, the release of 2.0 μg/ml α-mangostin from the BC films could suppress the growth of B16F10 melanoma (approximately 31% survival). With the release of α-mangostin at greater than 17.4-18.4 μg/ml, less than 15 and 5% survival of B16F10 melanoma and MCF-7 breast cancer cells, respectively, was observed.

In situ sonosynthesis of nano TiO2 on cotton fabric

Here, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NPs) were sonosynthesized and loaded simultaneously onto the cotton fabric. Titanium tetra isopropoxide (TTIP) was used as precursor and ultrasonic irradiation was utilized as a tool for synthesis of TiO2 in low temperature with anatase structure and loading nanoparticles onto the cotton fabric. TiO2 loaded cotton fabric was characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, EDS, and XRF. Moreover, several properties of the treated cotton fabrics such as self-cleaning, UV protection, washing durability, and tensile strength were studied. The effect of variables, including TTIP concentration and sonication time, was investigated based on central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM). The results confirmed formation of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles with 3-6 nm crystalline size loaded onto the cotton fabric at low temperature (75 °C) that led to good self-cleaning and UV-protection properties. The excellent UV-protection rating of the treated fabric maintained even after 25 home launderings indicating an excellent washing durability. Interestingly, sonochemical method had no negative influence on the cotton fabric structure. The statistical analysis indicated significant effect of both TTIP concentration and sonication time on the content of the loaded TiO2 on the fiber and self-cleaning properties of the fabric.