In situ photoreduction of Ag+-ions on the surface of titania nanotubes deposited on cotton and cotton/PET fabrics

This study discusses the possibility of in situ photoreduction of Ag+-ions on the surface of titania nanotubes (TNTs) deposited on the cotton and cotton/PET fabrics in the presence of amino acid alanine and methyl alcohol. TNTs were synthetized by hydrothermal method. The proposed interaction between titania, alanine and Ag+-ions was based on the results obtained by FTIR measurements. In order to enhance the binding efficiency between TNTs and fibers, the fabrics were previously impregnated with polyethyleneimine. The presence of TNT/Ag nanocrystals on the surface of fibers was proved by SEM, AAS, XRD and XPS. Larger amount of silver was detected on the cotton fabric. Fabricated TiO2/Ag nanocrystals provided maximum reduction of bacteria E. coli which was preserved after five washing cycles despite significant release of silver. The perspiration fastness tests indicated that silver release did not depend on pH. The presence of TNT/Ag nanocrystals imparted maximum UV protection to fabrics

Advanced Chemical Applications of Modified Cotton

Lightweight and flexible electronics are gaining popularity, especially in wearable technologies, because they allow a safe, healthy, and comfortable life. Cotton materials are among the most attractive substrates, given that they are inexpensive, environmentally benign, light, accessible, and processable. Incorporation of conductive materials onto cotton textiles modifies their surface chemistry by allowing free movement of electrons and other atomic species like radicals in metallic and non-metallic nanoparticles, delocalization of π-electrons with high mobility owed to the continuous overlap of π-orbitals along the backbone of conductive polymers, and free transfer of charges. On the addition to a large surface area and enhanced mechanical strength of the substrate, the conductive cotton textiles can provide chemical applications such as electrical and thermal conductivity, energy storage, sensitivity, EMI shielding, catalysis, and redox detoxification of certain pollutant chemicals in the environment. This chapter, therefore, discusses the various chemical and multi-advanced applications of modified cotton textiles, highlighting the research advancements, the active materials, and imparting techniques used