AQC functionalized CNCs/PVA-co-PE composite nanofibrous membrane with flower-like microstructures for photo-induced multi-functional protective clothing

The protective textiles with multifunctional properties such as pollutants capture, antibacterial property, detoxification, and self-cleaning ability are highly demanded for soldiers, medical staff and field workers. To achieve multifunctional properties while maintaining the wearing comfort of protective textiles remains a challenge. PVA-co-PE nanofiber membrane has found promising applications in filtering particles due to its large specific surface area. However, due to its limited hydrophilicity, the surface functionalization of nanofiber membrane is difficult. Cellulose Nano-Crystals (CNCs) possessing abundant hydroxyl groups were used to modify the surfaces of PVA-co-PE nanofiber membranes to facilitate the surface functionalization. The photoactive substance of AQC was subsequently grafted onto the CNCs modified PVA-co-PE nanofiber membrane. Depending on the surface chemical structures of nanofiber membranes, the AQC on the nanofiber membrane showed different morphologies and ordered structures. The AQC/CNCs functionalized PVA-co-PE nanofiber membrane demonstrated excellent antibacterial property after 5 min UV exposure, as well as the performance of degrading chemicals. Furthermore, the super-hydrophilic property of the functionalized membrane enables the wearing comfort. The super hydrophilic AQC/CNCs functionalized membrane with multi-functions can be widely applied in the protective clothing in the near future.