Colored, photocatalytic, antimicrobial and UV-protected viscose fibers decorated with Ag/Ag₂CO₃ and Ag/Ag₃PO₄ nanoparticles

Abstract: Surface modification of textile fibers with nanoparticles (NPs) has been widely investigated for multiple different uses. Herein, a simple and highly efficient technique was developed to impart multifunctional properties to viscose rayon fibers by in situ adding Ag/Ag₂CO₃ and Ag/Ag₃PO₄ NPs. Firstly, Ag₂CO₃ and Ag₃PO₄ NPs were precipitated via ultrasonic irradiation synthesis. Subsequently, Ag NPs were synthesized in situ by photoreduction of the excess Ag⁺ ions under UV-irradiation. The viscose rayon fibers decorated with Ag/Ag₂CO₃ and Ag/Ag₃PO₄ NPs showed excellent photocatalytic activity, and were protective against pathogenic microorganisms and UV radiation. Additionally, the modified viscose rayon fibers exhibited different colors ranging from pale yellow for Ag/Ag₂CO₃/viscose fibers to pale purple/violet for Ag/Ag₃PO₄/viscose fibers. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].