A bio based immobilizing matrix for transition metal oxides (TMO) crosslinked cotton: A facile and green processing for photocatalytic self-cleaning and multifunctional textile

Multifunctional textiles, especially with self-cleaning characteristics are among the highly desired products to reduce cleaning effort, water resources and ease of maintenance. In this study the surface properties of cotton are successfully modified through crosslinking of citric acid/chitosan immobilized transition metal oxide (TMO) nano photocatalysts through a facile and cost-effective pad-dry-cure method. The chemical interaction was established through FTIR spectroscopy. All samples present broad-spectrum self-cleaning ability while ZnO immobilized crosslinked fabric was found to be excellent with up to 3 folds enhanced photocatalytic. In parallel to excellent self-cleaning, the as-finished fabrics exhibited extended antimicrobial performance coupled with added easy-care properties and a 28% improvement in strength retention.