Ultrasonic effect on the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) dye by cotton fabrics loaded with TiO 2

The effect of sonication on the photodegradation of Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G, a fluorone dye) using woven cotton fabrics decorated with TiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) has been investigated. TiO 2 NPs were synthesized in situ by sol–gel method in the presence of cotton textile and then hydrothermally treated. TiO 2 -loaded fabrics were treated ultrasonically to test adhesion to- and properties of the NPs on the fabrics. We demonstrate good adhesion and a good stability of the NPs of TiO 2 . Moreover, sonication substantially improved the distribution on the surfaces and hence enhanced the fabrics catalytic activity. Either under UV or simulated sunlight, ultrasonicated fabrics were found to have a high photocatalytic activity towards Rh6G, used as a model dye. SEM, XPS, UV–Vis and FTIR spectroscopy, as well as ground state diffuse reflectance and laser induced luminescence were used to characterize fabrics/TiO 2 samples in terms of topography, surface composition, influence of hydrothermal treatment on photocatalytic activity, stability of TiO 2 NPs, electro-optical properties of the modified fabrics, as well as the effect of ultrasonication on the photodegradation of Rh6G. This work paves the way to a larger scale improvement of the photocatalytic performances of TiO 2 -loaded cotton fabrics by post-sonication. Graphic abstract