Functionalization of textile materials with TiO2 nanoparticles

• The potential applications of TiO2 nanoparticles to various textile materials are summarized.
• Self-cleaning textile materials.
• Textile materials with UV protection and antibacterial activity.
• The influence of silver on photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles deposited onto textile materials.

Extraordinary photocatalytic activity, non-toxicity, high availability, biocompatibility, and low price make TiO2 nanoparticles particularly attractive for manufacturing of different high value-added products. During the past several years, many efforts have been made to immobilize TiO2 nanoparticles onto textile materials with an aim to produce goods with multifunctional properties such as UV protective, self-cleaning and antibacterial. The processing of textile materials with TiO2 nanoparticles is relatively simple, but insufficient binding efficiency between certain fibers and TiO2 nanoparticles imposes a problem concerning the stability and durability of nanocomposite systems during their exploitation. Therefore, recent studies were more oriented toward chemical and physico-chemical modification of fiber surfaces that may enhance the binding efficiency of TiO2 nanoparticles. This article looks at some latest advances in finishing of different textile materials with TiO2 nanoparticles.