Preparation of superhydrophobic, antibacterial and photocatalytic cotton by the synergistic effect of dual nanoparticles of rGO-TiO2/QAS-SiO2

Abstract

In this study, the cotton fabric was endowed with superhydrophobic, antibacterial, and photocatalytic properties by a simple and easily-operated coating method. The optimal dual-particle coating, firmly adhered to the textile surface using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a binder, was obtained with the mixture of reduced graphene oxide-added titanium dioxide (rGO-TiO 2 ) and quaternary ammonium-functionalized silica (QAS-SiO 2 ), under the most appropriate mass ratio. The experimental results reveal that the water contact angles (CAs) of the optimal-treated cotton fabric can reach up to154°, and the bactericidal effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus is over 99 %, with the degradation rate for methylene blue solution as high as 98 %. On top of the excellent self-cleaning and bacterial shielding capabilities of the coating, its enhanced performance mentioned above can be maintained well against repeated washing, continuously abrasion, strong acids/bases and UV rays. Meanwhile, the finding suggests that the coating does not affect the strength of the fabric, and can retain the original deformability of the fabric. Most notably, the application of the coating method can cover a wide range of materials, including a variety of textiles as well as nontextiles such as paper, stainless steel etc. In short, this novel coating method is eco-friendly and strongly feasible, which paves the solid way for great potential in a wide range of application. • Cotton was functionalized with nano-silica and nano-titanium dioxide particles. • The processed cotton fabric was endowed with super-hydrophobicity and excellent photocatalytic activity. • The bactericidal effect of cotton against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus is over 99 %. • The degradation rate of MB solution finally reached the maximum 98 %. • The functional finishing will not visibly affect other properties of cotton fabrics.