Development of Ag/AgX (X=Cl, I) nanoparticles toward antimicrobial, UVprotectedand self-cleanable viscose fibers

In situ synthesis of Ag/AgX nanoparticles (NPs) onto viscose fibers adds new functionalities and broadens theirapplications. In this study, Ag/AgX (X=Cl, I) NPs were in situ synthesized onto viscose fibers to impart brilliantcolors, UV-protection, antimicrobial, self-cleaning, and photocatalytic properties. The AgX NPs were depositedon the fibers by ultrasonic irradiation, while Ag-NPs were formed by photoreduction of excess Ag+ ions underUV irradiation. The Ag/AgX NPs-loaded onto viscose fibers endowed with pale yellow for Ag/AgI and palepurple/violet for Ag/AgCl. The colored viscose fibers showed excellent antimicrobial activity against Escherichiacoli (gram-negative), Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive), and Candida Albican. The Ag/AgX/viscose fiber alsoshowed excellent photocatalytic and self-cleaning activity toward degradation of methylene blue.