Recyclable, superhydrophobic and effective Ag/TiO2@ PDMS coated cotton fabric with visible-light photocatalyst for efficient water purification

Multifunctional materials for water purification have attracted significant attention due to the increased water pollution problems. However, fabricating the low-cost, effective, and recyclable separation material for wastewater containing various hazardous substances is still a challenge. Herein, we developed an Ag/TiO2@PDMS coated cotton fabric with self-cleaning ability, high flux, superior visible-light photocatalytic ability, and recyclability via the powder +glue strategy. The composites are superhydrophobic (water contact angle 157 degrees) and show high separation efficiency. After 20 times of repeated use, the separation efficiency remains 16,322 Lm(-2) h(-1), and methylene blue (MB) 's degradation rate remains almost unchanged. The high oil purification, catalytic property, excellent stability in harsh conditions, and recyclability enable the material as a satisfactory candidate for water purification. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

In this study, we developed a low-cost, efficient, and recyclable multifunctional material for water purification. The material, coated with Ag/TiO2@PDMS on cotton fabric, exhibits self-cleaning ability, high flux, and excellent visible-light photocatalytic performance. It maintains high separation efficiency and degradation ability even after repeated use. The material has great potential for water purification due to its outstanding oil purification, catalytic properties, stability in harsh conditions, and recyclability.