Functionalization of cotton fabrics by sol-gel method using ionic liquids with high-hydrophobic, excellent water repellent, oil/water separation, and self-cleaning properties

In this paper, we report on the design of multifunctional cotton fabric with high hydrophobic, water-repellent, water-oil separation, and self-cleaning properties by the sol-gel method using ionic liquids. To do so, sols containing 1-methylimidazolium chloride Propyltriethoxysilane [MCPTS] and 1-pyridinium chloride Propyltriethoxysilane [PCPTS] salts were synthesized and deposited on the surface of the cellulose substrate by the pad-dry-cure process. Finally, the treated fabrics were impregnated in diluted solutions of hexafluorophosphoric acid (HPF6), bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonamide lithium (Li (CF3SO2) 2 N), sodium tetrafluoroborate (NaBF4), and sodium acetate (NaCH3CO2) to achieve the metathesis reaction. The surface morphology of the as-prepared cotton fabric was characterized by the Scanning electron microscope. It shows the presence of a very thin layer of coating on the cotton fiber surface. The Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum were exploited in order to characterize the chemical composition of the treated and untreated fabrics. The results showed that the functionalized cotton fabrics by the sol-gel method using ionic liquids exhibited high hydrophobic, excellent water-repellent, and self-cleaning properties. Furthermore, the coated cotton fabric is able to separate a series of oil-water mixtures, which makes it potentially useful in practical and industrial applications. Graphical abstract