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

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.