Fabrication of nano-TiO₂/carbon nanotubes and nano-TiO₂/nanocarbon black on alkali hydrolyzed polyester producing photoactive conductive fabric

Abstract

In this paper, the alkali hydrolyzed polyester fabric was treated with functional single-wall and multi-wall carbon nanotubes, nanocarbon black without and with nano-TiO 2 and citric acid as a cross-linking agent through exhaustion method and post-curing. Electrical conductivity, methylene blue degradation, UV protection, and thermal stability of the treated fabrics were investigated. The loading of various carbon nanostructures and nano-TiO 2 on the polyester fabric confirmed with SEM images and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Further, X-ray diffraction, remaining ash percentage via furnace and thermogravimetric analysis, proved the presence of nano-TiO 2 on the polyester fabric. The UV protection verified with UV-Vis reflection spectra indicated the highest protection on the nanocarbon black/ nano-TiO 2 /CA-treated fabric. The highest discoloration of methylene blue solution and electrical conductivity obtained on the treated fabric with functional single-wall carbonnano tube/nano-TiO 2 /citric acid and functional nanocarbon black/ nano-TiO 2 /citric acid. This is related to enhance photocatalytic activities of nano-TiO 2 with cooperation of single-wall carbon nanotubes and more surface coating of nanocarbon black on the polyester fabric.