Microwave‐assisted preparation of pyrite and its sensitisation of titanium dioxide in self‐cleaning aramid fabrics

Abstract

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) dispersions were obtained by neutralising anatase nano‐titanium dioxide sols prepared by hydrolysing tetrabutyl titanate in acidic aqueous media. Pyrite was initially prepared via the microwave‐assisted method with a mixed solvent of ethylene glycol and small amounts of water, and was then used in sensitising micron‐sized titanium dioxide particles to obtain aramid fabrics with self‐cleaning properties. X‐ray diffraction demonstrated the crystalline structure of pyrite, and ultraviolet‐visible ( UV ‐vis) spectrum and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy characterised the band gaps, surface status on fabrics and the distribution of the pyrite compound's titanium dioxide particles. The contact angle, UV protection factor ( UPF ) and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue ( MB ) were used to evaluate the performance of treated aramid fabrics. Results show that pyrite‐sensitised titanium dioxide compounds obtained at pH 5 have smaller band gap energies and relatively poor wetting abilities, higher UPF values, and perform well in the photocatalytic degradation of MB . The pseudo‐first kinetic model was used to analyse elaborate sections of the curve for the degradation of MB .