Ensnaring animate-inanimate toxins using ZnO–MgO @ Elastomer thin films with self-cleaning and regenerative properties

3 in 1 toxin responsive multi-layer thin films having ZnO-MgO@PDMS-NH2 hybrid components were constructed via co-precipitation method followed by binary oxide inclusion in multi-layered thin polymeric films using Layer-by-Layer (LbL) deposition. The chemical nature, bonding and crystallographic behaviour of the prepared ZnO–MgO were confirmed by FTIR, XRD, UV–Vis and Raman spectroscopic studies. Fingerprint IR peaks of ZnO–MgO were recorded at 503.44 and 472.56 cm−1 while pronounced shifting of E2 (high) peak ∼450 cm−1 indexed via Raman studies validated Mg impregnation into ZnO structure. XRD patterns of MgO based ZnO compared to their previously reported pristine structures justified their composite formation. SEM micrographs confirmed homogeneous multilayered depositions while EDX based elemental analysis confirmed their uniform distribution. Stepwise multilayered growth was monitored using Ellipsometry and UV–Vis with a maximum film thickness ∼91 nm and UV–Vis absorbance ∼2.7 at 374 nm recorded as a function of 28 bilayer depositions. The multilayer system was build to design modular units promising for industrial wastewater as well as drinking water treatment setups for dye degradation, heavy metal adsorption, and antimicrobial capabilities, as confirmed by UV–Vis, FAAS, and ICP-OES studies. The constructed system is efficient to have self-cleaning and regenerating properties thus making our product environmentally friendly and cost-effective. [Display omitted] •ZnO-MgO@PDMS-NH2 multilayered thin films were fabricated via LbL deposition.•Novel 3 in 1 design of the architecture makes it suitable for photocatalysis, adsorption and antimicrobial capacity for wastewater remediation.•Self-cleaning and re-generative ability makes these nanocoatings an environment friendly option.