Synthesis of a new amino/phosphate-modified TiO2/rGO hybrid nanocomposite for sustainable textile functionalization

Nanocomposites of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have been considered in recent years as effective photocatalysts for the development of textiles with functional protective properties. This work presents a simple strategy for synthesis of a new type of amino/phosphate-functionalized TiO 2 /rGO hybrid nanocomposites on the surface of cotton fabric through an effective sol–gel and sol–gel/hydrothermal route. For this purpose, (trihydroxysilyl)propyl methylphosphonate (TPMP) and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) were used to enhance the interfacial interaction among TiO 2 , rGO, and textiles, while also providing an antimicrobial bio-barrier and thermal stability in addition to the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 /rGO. The analysis of the developed nanocomposites using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS), X-ray diffraction microscopy (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of all crucial active compounds in the composites and revealed the amorphous phase of TiO 2 irrespective of the application route. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of TPMP and APTES functional groups and the formation of Si-O-Ti and Si-O-Si bonds, indicating the successful synthesis of the amino/phosphate-functionalized TiO 2 /rGO nanocomposite on the surface of the cotton fabric. Compared with the sol–gel/hydrothermal route, the sol–gel route proved to be more efficient and assured the tailoring of the amino/phosphate/TiO 2 /rGO nanocomposite with superior performance in UV protection, antimicrobial activity against bacteria E. coli and S. aureus and photocatalytic self-cleaning activity in the discolouration of Rhodamine B dye, as well as improved thermo-oxidative stability as determined through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). • Amino/phosphate TiO 2 /rGO nanocomposites were developed on cotton by low-temperature synthesis. • TiO 2 /rGO surface was modified for the first time via sol–gel and sol–gel/hydrothermal techniques. • Si–O–Ti and Si–O–Si bonds confirm a strong organic–inorganic hybrid network on the cotton surface. • Modified TiO 2 /rGO imparts UV protection, self-sterilizing, self-cleaning and thermal stability. • Between both techniques the sol–gel provides superior multifunctional performance.