Photocatalytic nanocomposite prepared by synthesis and coating of zinc stannate and graphene on cotton textile

Abstract

In this work single step process for in situ synthesis of the graphene nanosheets and zinc stannate nanoparticles on the cotton fabric is introduced and functionalities of the nanocomposite are investigated. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy. The electrical resistance and color of treated fabrics were also assessed. The results proved that both of the nanomaterials were successfully synthesized and are attached to each other and cotton fibers. A higher concentration of nanosheets and more reduction made the specific surface resistance of the nanocomposite less. The nanosheets and zinc tin oxide had a synergistic effect on the photocatalytic activity and up to 91.1 % photocatalytic efficiency had been recorded. The nanocomposite was more hydrophobic than cotton fabric. The mechanical properties were not affected by the preparation processes. The nanocomposite indicated 99 % antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli.