Embellishing 2-D MoS₂ Nanosheets on Lotus Thread Devices for Enhanced Hydrophobicity and Antimicrobial Activity

Herein, we report cellulose-based threads from Indian sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) of the Nymphaceae family embellished with MoS₂ nanosheets for its enhanced hydrophobic and antimicrobial properties. MoS₂ nanosheets synthesized by a coprecipitation method using sodium molybdate dihydrate (Na₂MoO₄·2H₂O) and thioacetamide (CH₃CSNH₂) were used as a sourse for MoS₂ particle growth with cellulose threads extracted from lotus peduncles. The size, crystallinity, and morphology of pure and MoS₂-coated fibers were studied using X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). the XRD pattern of pure lotus threads showed a semicrystalline nature, and the threads@MoS₂ composite showed more crystallinity than the pure threads. SEM depicts that pure lotus threads possess a smooth surface, and the MoS₂ nanosheets growth can be easily identified on the threads@MoS₂. Further, the presence of MoS₂ nanosheets on threads was confirmed with EDX elemental analysis. Antimicrobial studies with Escherichia coli and Candida albicans reveal that threads@MoS₂ have better resistance than its counterpart, i.e., pure threads. MoS₂ sheets play a predominant role in restricting the wicking capability of the pure threads due to their enhanced hydrophobic property. The water absorbency assay denotes the absorption rate of threads@MoS₂ to 80%, and threads@MoS₂ shows no penetration for the observed 60 min, thus confirming its wicking restriction. The contact angle for threads@MoS₂ is 128°, indicating its improved hydrophobicity.