Photodegradation of organic dyes by Bi₂WO₆ coated cotton fabric modified with poly(diallyldimethylammoniumchloride) under visible light irradiation

In this study, a visible-light-driven photocatalyst Bi₂WO₆ was assembled on fibers by linking of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) at room temperature. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated by degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and Acid orange 7 (AO7) under visible light irradiation. Effects of concentration of PDDA in the pretreatment solution on degradation efficiency of RhB and AO7 in the presence of Bi₂WO₆ coated cotton fabrics were investigated. In addition, washing durability and breaking strength of Bi₂WO₆ coated cotton fabrics modified with PDDA were examined. The results revealed that Bi₂WO₆ with irregular shape were successfully coated on the cotton fabric modified with PDDA. Bi₂WO₆ coated cotton fabric modified with PDDA exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity with degradation efficiency of 97.4% of RhB and 94.5% of AO7, respectively. In addition, Bi₂WO₆ coating on the cotton fabrics modified with PDDA not only improved washing durability but also enhanced breaking strength of the fabric.