Self-cleaning cotton

TLDR

Nanocrystalline TiO₂ was synthesized at near‑room temperature via hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide and applied to cotton by a dip‑pad–dry‑cure process, producing a transparent coating whose UV absorption and mechanical strength were characterized. The TiO₂‑coated cotton exhibits photocatalytic self‑cleaning, including bactericidal activity and degradation of red wine and coffee stains, indicating commercial potential.

Abstract

Nanocrystalline titanium dioxide has been prepared under ambient pressure and at temperatures close to or approaching room temperature using hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide in an acidic aqueous solution. A transparent thin layer of nanocrystalline titania has been produced on cotton textiles by a dip-pad–dry-cure process. These TiO2 coated cotton textiles possess significant photocatalytic self-cleaning properties, such as bactericidal activity, colorant stain decomposition and degradation of red wine and coffee stains. The UV absorption and tearing strength of the TiO2 coated cotton has also been studied. Self-cleaning cotton may find potential commercialization in the textile industry.