Modified anti-mosquito and self-cleaning fabrics utilizing clove oil–CuO/TiO2 composites

Abstract

We report on the synthesis of CuO/TiO2 composites via a photo-assisted deposition method. The encapsulated clove oil was synthesized using oil-in-water emulsification. The optimum mass ratio of CuO:TiO2 was combined with encapsulated clove oil and then coated on fabric. The obtained CuO/TiO2 composites were examined using scanning electron microscopy to scrutinize their morphology and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra to identify the composites’ absorption range and bandgap energy. The modified fabrics were then characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that CuO/TiO2 samples possess spheroidal shapes, while the absorption spectra of CuO/TiO2 samples were red-shifted to the visible region as the CuO content increased. Photocatalytic activities of TiO2 and CuO/TiO2 were examined by degrading methylene blue under ultraviolet light, which shows that CuO-doped TiO2 exhibits higher activity than TiO2. The self-cleaning functionality of the modified fabrics was examined using sludge solution, revealing that the modified fabrics with CuO/TiO2 composites and encapsulated clove oil (CLO-CuO/TiO2) exhibit cleaner surfaces than blank fabric. The optimum capacity of the fabrics as repellents was obtained in a sample with the smallest average mosquitoes landing of four.