Multi-wall carbon nanotubes and nano titanium dioxide coated on cotton fabric for superior self-cleaning and UV blocking

Cotton fabrics were treated with nano titanium dioxide and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using succinic acid as a crosslinking agent. The photocatalytic self-cleaning properties of the samples were assessed by analyzing the degradation of Direct Green 6 under UV and sunlight. The UV absorption, abrasion resistance and tensile strength of the treated fabric were measured. It was found that coating the cotton fabrics with both MWCNTs and nano titanium dioxide effectively improves the photodegradation efficiency of Direct Green 6 under both UV and sunlight. The abrasion resistance and UV blocking capability are improved, and tensile strength decreases a little after the coating. The increased photodegradation of Direct Green 6 can be ascribed to enhanced adsorption, a reduced electron-hole pair recombination rate and an extended light absorption wavelength as a result of the joint action of nano titanium dioxide and MWCNTs.