Cs_xWO₃ nanosheet-coated cotton fabric with multiple functions: UV/NIR shielding and full-spectrum-responsive self-cleaning

Utilizing fewer functional materials to achieve multifunctional fabrics via facile approaches have been confronting worldwide scientists with an enormous challenge. In this study, a novel multifunctional cotton fabric, combining UV/NIR shielding and full-spectrum-responsive self-cleaning, has been fabricated via self-assembly of Cs _x WO ₃ nanosheets based on electrostatic interaction assisted by Poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) in aqueous solution. The microstructure of Cs _x WO ₃ nanosheets and their self-assembly coating on cotton fabric were characterized and investigated. The functional properties of the Cs _x WO ₃ -coated cotton fabric, including UV/NIR shielding and photocatalytic self-cleaning were evaluated. The results indicate that the Cs _x WO ₃ -coated cotton fabric exhibits superb UV/NIR and heat shielding performance with 15.8 °C and 5.9 °C lower than no coverage and coverage by none-treated cotton fabric, respectively. Moreover, the well-coated cotton fabric demonstrates photocatalytic self-cleaning property responsive to the light ranging from UV, Vis to NIR, especially exhibits highly efficient self-cleaning under the respective irritation of full-spectrum, UV and Vis light (color faded completely within 10 h). In summary, the Cs _x WO ₃ -coated fabrics can achieve multi-functions of UV shielding, heat insulation and self-cleaning by means of a single functional nanomaterial and promise of huge applications in functional textiles.