Photocatalytic formulations for protein fibers: Experimental analysis of the effect of preparation on compatibility and photocatalytic activities

In this article, we report an optimization study of a photocatalytic self-cleaning sol–gel formulation. In particular we studied the effect of formulation preparation time on the formation of anatase titanium dioxide sol and its compatibility to protein keratin-type wool fibers. The sols were formed by a low temperature sol–gel process. The nucleated anatase was characterized by UV–vis transmission, particle size distribution, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The compatibility between the formulations and wool fibers is evaluated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, UV transmission, and mechanical properties. The photocatalytic self-cleaning activity of coated fibers and its reproducibility are also discussed.

Graphical abstractNanocrystalline anatase titanium dioxide was successfully deposited on protein keratin-type wool fibers with good compatibility and reproducible self-cleaning activities by a simple dip-coating sol–gel process.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide