Utilizing TiO2 photocatalysis and natural SiO2 superhydrophilicity synergy to improve self-cleaning activity in cotton fabric

This study aims to explore the function of hydrophilic features of natural SiO 2 in supporting the TiO 2 photocatalysis process for developing cotton fabric with high self-cleaning performance. SiO 2 was produced by extracting natural materials such as Bengkulu beach sand with a high SiO 2 content. The method used is dip-coating in its sol form with the help of ultrasonic waves to maximize the composite loading on the fabric. TiO 2 /SiO 2 composite sols were synthesized at three distinct molar ratios, 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2. The self-cleaning activity was observed against methylene blue using the digital image colorimetry technique. SEM images reveal agglomerated TiO 2 and SiO 2 particles attached to the cotton fabric fibers with an average size of 14 nm. The FTIR investigations also demonstrate the existence of Ti - O - C and Si - O - C bonds, indicating TiO 2 and SiO 2 particles’ interaction with cotton fabric fibers. Contact angle measurements show that cotton fabric with TiO 2 increases hydrophilicity to 17.8 ∘ , whereas cotton fabric with SiO 2 has a superhydrophilic surface (0 ∘ ). This observation is consistent with the FTIR data, in which the O - H stretching band develops following the addition of TiO 2 sol and is more obvious in samples containing SiO 2 . The O–H stretching band appears after adding TiO2 sol and is more pronounced in samples containing SiO2 The characterization results showed that TiO 2 /SiO 2 composites were successfully added to cotton fabrics. Cotton fabrics with a ratio of TiO 2 /SiO 2 (1:1) showed the best self-cleaning activity against methylene blue, reaching 95.25%. Modified cotton fabrics also showed particle adhesion stability with a slight decrease in self-cleaning activity.