Applications of Nanotechnology in Smart Textile Industry: A Critical Review

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Current trends of using nanotechnology in textile industries.

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Nanotechnology-driven techniques for fabrication and modification of textile fibers.

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Wearable nanotechnology for energy storage, sensing, drug release, optics, electronics and photonics.

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Environmental concerns associated with nanotechnology processed textiles.

Background

In recent years, nanotechnology has been playing an important role in designing smart fabrics. Nanomaterials have been employed to introduce in a sustainable manner, antimicrobial, ultraviolet resistant, electrically conductive, optical, hydrophobic and flame-retardant properties into textiles and garments. Nanomaterial based smart devices are now also being integrated with the textiles so as to perform various functions such as energy harvesting and storage, sensing, drug release and optics. These advancements have found wide applications in the fashion industry and are being developed for wider use in defence, healthcare and on-body energy harnessing applications.

Aim of review

The objective of this work is to provide an insight into the current trends of using nanotechnology in the modern textile industries and to inspire and anticipate further research in this field. This review provides an overview of the most current advances concerning on-body electronics research and the wonders which could be realized by nanomaterials in modern textiles in terms of total energy reliance on our clothes.

Key scientific concepts of review

The work underlines the various methods and techniques for the functionalization of nanomaterials and their integration into textiles with an emphasis on cost-effectiveness, comfort, wearability, energy conversion efficiency and eco-sustainability. The most recent trends of developing various nanogenerators, supercapacitors and photoelectronic devices on the fabric are highlighted, with special emphasis on the efficiency and wearability of the textile. The potential nanotoxicity associated with the processed textiles due to the tendency of these nanomaterials to leach into the environment along with possible remediation measures are also discussed. Finally, the future outlook regarding progress in the integration of smart nano-devices on textile fabrics is provided.

Nanoremediation technologies for sustainable remediation of contaminated environments: Recent advances and challenges

A major and growing concern within society is the lack of innovative and effective solutions to mitigate the challenge of environmental pollution. Uncontrolled release of pollutants into the environment as a result of urbanisation and industrialisation is a staggering problem of global concern. Although, the eco-toxicity of nanotechnology is still an issue of debate, however, nanoremediation is a promising emerging technology to tackle environmental contamination, especially dealing with recalcitrant contaminants. Nanoremediation represents an innovative approach for safe and sustainable remediation of persistent organic compounds such as pesticides, chlorinated solvents, brominated or halogenated chemicals, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and heavy metals. This comprehensive review article provides a critical outlook on the recent advances and future perspectives of nanoremediation technologies such as photocatalysis, nano-sensing etc., applied for environmental decontamination. Moreover, sustainability assessment of nanoremediation technologies was taken into consideration for tackling legacy contamination with special focus on health and environmental impacts. The review further outlines the ecological implications of nanotechnology and provides consensus recommendations on the use of nanotechnology for a better present and sustainable future.

Synthesis of LaFeO3/Ag2CO3 Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B and p-Chlorophenol under Natural Sunlight

Novel LaFeO3/Ag2CO3 nanocomposites are synthesized by co-precipitation method for photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and p-chlorophenol under visible light irradiation. Heterostructures between LaFeO3 and Ag2CO3 semiconductors are formed during the synthesis of these nanocomposites. Among the nanocomposites prepared with different ratios of LaFeO3 and Ag2CO3, 1% LaFeO3/Ag2CO3 shows the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of RhB. Maximum electron-hole pair decoupling efficiency is observed in 1% LaFeO3/Ag2CO3, which causes the greater activity of the heterostructure. Degradation efficiency of 99.5% for RhB and 59% for p-chlorophenol has been obtained under natural sunlight within 45 min. Interestingly, the stability of Ag2CO3 is improved dramatically after making nanocomposite, and no decomposition of the catalyst was observed even after several photocatalytic cycles. Reactive oxygen species scavenging experiments with p-benzoquinone, isopropyl alcohol, and ammonium oxalate suggest that a major degradation process is caused by holes. Degradation of RhB into small organic moieties is detected using LC-MS technique. Further, the efficient mineralization of the degradation products occurs during the catalytic process.

Facile synthesis of iron oxide coupled and doped titania nanocomposites: tuning of physicochemical and photocatalytic properties

The iron oxide coupled and doped titania nanocomposites exhibited altered compositional, optical, electrical, magnetic and photocatalytic properties with respect to varying dosage of iron in the titania matrix.

Novel visible-light-driven Fe2O3/Ag3VO4 composite with enhanced photocatalytic activity toward organic pollutants degradation

Photoactivity of Ag₃VO₄ can be enhanced by modification with Fe₂O₃. The electrochemical impedance of the composite being smaller than pure Ag₃VO₄ may be one reason.