In Situ Production and Deposition of Bismuth Oxide Nanoparticles on Cotton Fabric

In this research, the cotton fabric was modified with bismuth oxide nanoparticles (Bi(2)O(3)NPs) by a simple method. Bismuth oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction of bismuth salt using nitric acid as reducing agent. In situ method was used for synthesis and deposition of bismuth oxide nanoparticles on cotton fabrics. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction for evaluation of crystal structure, scanning electron microscopy for presentation of morphology and size, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for determination of chemical composition, atomic absorption spectroscopy for studding bismuth release, contact angle for explanation of hydrophobic character, and diffuse reflection spectroscopy for ultraviolet (UV) blocking. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by measurement of the reduction of the gram-negativeEscherichia colion modified cotton fabric. Based on the results, modified cotton fabric showed hydrophobic, UV-blocking properties, and antibacterial activity as compared with control cotton fabric, which will have high potential applications in various fields.