Photocatalytic and UV-shielding multi-functional fabric with γ-GY/TiO₂ hybrid coating

Developing robust superhydrophobic coatings on cotton fabrics is essential for extending their functional lifespan and enabling performance under diverse environmental conditions. In this study, we report a multifunctional cotton fabric with a dual-functional surface (γ-GY/TiO₂/PFDTS@cotton) that exhibits both superhydrophobicity and photocatalytic activity. The fabricated fabric demonstrated excellent self-cleaning ability and strong resistance to washing, abrasion, chemicals, and UV irradiation. Under simulated sunlight, the fabric effectively degraded Reactive Red 195 via photocatalysis, maintaining performance across multiple reuse cycles. In this work, cotton—a widely cultivated fiber crop—is functionalized into a high-value bio-based material through a surface coating that imparts self-cleaning and photocatalytic properties. The self-cleaning function reduces maintenance and water usage, while the photocatalytic activity enables degradation of organic pollutants under light, supporting potential applications in air purification and water treatment. These features expand the use of cotton and highlight the relevance of crop-derived materials for sustainable and functional product development. A cotton-based functional fabric is developed from a cultivated fiber crop and engineered with water-repellent, oil-repellent, UV-resistant, and photocatalytic capabilities. The bio-based fabric utilizes sunlight to degrade organic pollutants into CO₂ and H₂O, offering potential for sustainable environmental applications and value-added use of industrial crop-derived materials. • Superhydrophobic–photocatalytic cotton fabric engineered via γ-GY/TiO₂ and PFDTS. • Sustainable crop-derived cotton enables an eco-friendly multifunctional platform. • γ-GY/TiO₂/PFDTS@cotton shows outstanding UV shielding with a UPF value exceeding 750. • γ-GY/TiO₂ heterojunctions enable 98 % photocatalytic dye degradation. • Strategy expands cotton’s potential for durable, sustainable functional materials.