Simple and green fabrication of an Ag-Ag₂S/TiO₂/cellulose biocomposite film with enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial activity

Cellulose-based biocomposites exhibit significant potential and versatility in advanced photocatalyst development for environmental remediation. In this study, we synthesized an Ag-Ag₂S/TiO₂/CT (cotton textile) biocomposite film as an efficient hybrid photocatalyst through a straightforward hydrothermal process to create TiO₂, followed by a dipping process in an Ag-Ag₂S solution. This biocomposite has shown a high decomposition efficiency of 97% towards <i>o</i>-toluidine as a carcinogenic compound in aqueous media after 6 h of light irradiation and complete oxidation of alcoholic compounds (which include 1-butanol, 1-propanol, and ethanol) as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a gaseous medium under sunlight at room temperature. Moreover, it showed notable antibacterial activity against <i>Escherichia coli</i>. This high efficiency of Ag-Ag₂S/TiO₂/CT can be, in particular, due to the synergistic effect between Ag-Ag₂S and TiO₂, which includes the smooth transfer of charges owing to their efficient separation, recombination inhibition, and improved absorption of visible light. Moreover, the prepared hybrid photocatalyst showed enhanced mechanical strength, high stability and strong durability, ensuring its reuse for several cycles. Our findings indicate that Ag-Ag₂S/TiO₂/CT holds promise as a multifunctional material for water treatment and is capable of removing organic pollutants, eliminating bacteria, and purifying air simultaneously.