Synthesis of Graphene/Zinc Stannate Nanocomposite on Cotton Fabric to Obtain Multi-Functional Properties

This research has been conducted with the objective of multi-functional finishing on cotton fabric for
improving different properties such as photocatalytic activity, electrical conductivity, UV blocking, and
antibacterial. To this end, in situ synthesis of graphene/zinc stannate nanocomposite was carried out
and its effect on the cotton properties was investigated. The structure and morphology of the fabric
surface has been examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and its chemical
structure has been elucidated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrical conductivity
of coated fabrics was improved significantly due to the presence of graphene on the surface of cotton
fabrics. The photocatalytic activity of the treated fabrics with graphene/zinc stannate nanocomposite
was tested by degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution under sunlight irradiation, which
demonstrated excellent photocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposite. The antibacterial activities of the
samples against two common pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
have been also assessed, which suggested that the graphene/zinc stannate nanocomposite can function
effectively as antibacterial agents. Moreover, the nanocomposite finished cotton fabric showed proper
UV blocking activity.