Nano coloration and functionalization of cellulose drive through in-situ synthesis of cross-linkable Cu₂O nano-cubes: A green synthesis route for sustainable clothing system

The textile and clothing industry is under great stress and subjected to the huge utilization of toxic dyes. Metal oxide nanoparticles are getting great attention in textiles as a promising alternative to toxic dyes and organic pigments with added functionality. Unfortunately, the utilization of toxic precursors in the synthesis of nanoparticles and their poor bonding interaction with the textile still offers an open challenge for nano-coloration. The lack of bonding interaction not only leads to the release of nanoparticles in common laundering but also vanishes the functional properties. Herein, we demonstrated a robust, and sustainable process for one-step coloration and functionalization of cotton fabric through an in-situ synthesis of cross-linkable functional Cu₂O nanocubes. The nano-cubes to fabric interaction was established through FTIR spectroscopy, while the proposed chemical mechanism provides the theoretical conjecture in support of interaction. The as-prepared nano-dyed fabric presented an attractive yellowish-orange color with excellent dyeing fastness, and wash durability along with the retained hydrophilicity with a water contact angle (WCA) value of as low as 59°. Additionally, the eminence of the development was validated by mapping the processing traits with UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) as a blueprint for easy commercial adaptation. With added functionality of easy-care, antimicrobial and photocatalytic performance while maintaining comfort and color aesthetic (in the absolute absence of toxic reagents) such a process can find tremendous utilization in sustainable clothing needs.