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

Abstract

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.