Scalable multifunctional MOFs-textiles via diazonium chemistry

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Textile Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Cellulose textiles are versatile but lack inherent advanced functionalities.
• Integrating functional materials like metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offers enhanced properties.
• Scalable and durable fabrication of MOF-textile composites remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile and scalable strategy for direct MOF growth on cellulose fibers.
• To create multifunctional MOF-textile composites with applications in environmental remediation, antimicrobial textiles, and self-cleaning surfaces.
• To demonstrate the versatility of the method for various MOFs and cellulose-based materials.

Main Methods:

• Grafting cotton fibers using diazonium chemistry.
• Direct growth of ZIF-67 metal-organic frameworks onto modified cotton fibers (ZIF-67-CT).
• Surface modification to achieve superhydrophobic properties.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated ZIF-67-Cotton textile (ZIF-67-CT) with high mechanical durability.
• Demonstrated excellent UV resistance and degradation of organic contaminants via peroxymonosulfate activation.
• Achieved potent antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus by encapsulating essential oils.
• Developed superhydrophobic ZIF-67-CT with self-cleaning, antifouling, and oil-water separation capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The diazonium chemistry-based MOF growth strategy is scalable and effective for cellulose textiles.
• The resulting multifunctional MOF-textiles show significant potential in wastewater purification, fragrance delivery, and outdoor gear applications.
• The generic nature of the method allows for broad applicability to diverse MOFs and cellulosic materials for large-scale manufacturing.