Multifunctional photoactive cotton fabric coated with Ag-AgI/TiO2 nanocomposite for environmental and biological applications under sunlight

Developing multifunctional cellulose-based materials with photoactive properties, suitable for a wide range of environmental and biological applications under sunlight, is of paramount importance. In this study, we describe the synthesis of an Ag-AgI/TiO2 nanocomposite on cotton fabric (CF) using a moderate hydrothermal method to create a TiO2 layer that effectively coats the CF. The subsequent photoreduction via the impregnation method yields evenly distributed Ag-AgI nanoparticles (NPs) on the TiO2 layer. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterizations unequivocally confirm the presence of anatase TiO2 and Ag-AgI nanoparticles as the principal constituents of the photoactive textile. Our prepared photoactive textile exhibits exceptional performance in the photocatalytic degradation of aniline pollutants, achieving an impressive 97% removal rate under simulated sunlight irradiation for 6 h. Moreover, the textile can be easily reused following a simple washing process. When exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it demonstrates complete ethanol decomposition with a mineralization rate of 79% after 4 h of illumination. Additionally, our composite showcases potent antibacterial properties by effectively inactivating pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, highlighting its versatility as a photocatalyst for a wide range of environmental and biological applications. The significant improvement in photocatalytic properties can be primarily attributed to the synergistic effect between TiO2 and Ag-AgI a pronounced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Ag-AgI NPs, increased visible light absorption, and suppressed charge carriers recombination. Moreover, our photoactive textile demonstrates exceptional durability and augmented mechanical strength, ensuring long-term functionality.The elaborated multifunctional Ag-AgI/TiO2/CF photoactive textile offers substantial potential for sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges in various applications.

Automated summary

In this study, a photoactive nanocomposite material with exceptional performance in photocatalysis, decomposition of volatile organic compounds, and antibacterial properties has been successfully synthesized on cotton fabric. The material shows promising potential for various environmental and biological applications.