Photocatalytic Activity and Biocide Properties of Ag–TiO2 Composites on Cotton Fabrics

Abstract

Composites of Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized in situ on cotton fabrics using sonochemical and solvothermal methods achieving the successive formation of Ag-NPs and Ti-NPs directly on the fabric. The impregnated fabrics were characterized using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy; high-resolution microscopy (HREM); scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS); Raman, photoluminescence, UV-Vis, and DRS spectroscopies; and by tensile tension tests. Results showed the successful formation and impregnation of NPs on the cotton fabric, with negligible leaching of NPs after several washing cycles. The photocatalytic activity of supported NPs was assessed by the degradation of methyl blue dye (MB) under solar and UV irradiation revealing improved photocatalytic activity of the Ag–TiO2/cotton composites due to a synergy of both Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles. This behavior is attributed to a diminished electron–hole recombination effect in the Ag–TiO2/cotton samples. The biocide activity of these composites on the growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram+) and Escherichia coli (Gram−) was confirmed, revealing interesting possibilities for the utilization of the functionalized cotton fabric as protective cloth for medical applications.

Research Progress of TiO2 Modification and Photodegradation of Organic Pollutants

“…Meshram et al [80] microwave synthesized TiO2-Al composite photocatalysts and found that the The precious metal silver is relatively cheap and readily available [68]. Several studies, such as Chacon-Argaez [69], Borrego Pérez [70], etc., have found that the photocatalytic activity of composites is indeed significantly improved. Mohammed, W [71] et al found that Schottky promoted electron transfer at Ag-TiO 2 , transferred the absorption to the visible region, reduced the band gap of TiO 2, and inhibited electron-hole recombination, thus enhancing the photocatalytic activity and stability.…”