Metal-organic frameworks functionalized cellulosic fabrics as multifunctional smart textiles

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently garnered significant attention in fabricating functional textiles due to their remarkable adsorption capacities and open metal sites. This study presents a rapid and straightforward method for the in-situ surface functionalization of cellulosic textiles with different MOF structures, including MOF-5, MOF-199, ZIF-8, and ZIF-67. The resulting fabrics exhibit substantially increased surface areas compared to the pristine fabric. A comprehensive comparative analysis of these multifunctional fabrics has been conducted, considering factors such as ease of growth, surface area, wash durability, malodor adsorption capacity, UV-blocking attributes, antimicrobial efficacy, and commercial viability. Our results demonstrate that all MOF-treated textiles effectively capture a variety of malodors, including isovaleric acid, nonenal, and indole, at concentrations up to 1000 ppm. Further, these textiles also show the high adsorption capacity of aniline, a model air pollutant, with levels ranging from 15.5 to 22.87 mg/g. Notably, all MOF-treated samples exhibit impressive antimicrobial performance, with nearly 99.9 % effectiveness against both E. coli and S. aureus. MOF-199@CMC and ZIF-67@CMC fabrics also display exceptional UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) values, reaching 238 and 149, respectively. Considering variables such as solvents employed during synthesis, the visual aesthetics imparted by the finish, and the wash durability of the different MOF-functionalized fabrics, ZIF-8@CMC stands out as the superior choice, surpassing MOF-5@CMC, MOF-199@CMC, and ZIF-67@CMC fabrics. These MOF functionalized textiles can potentially be used as highly effective protective textiles.