Durable hydrophobic coatings are created by adding amphiphilic Janus particles to binder polymers through the unique self-stratification behaviours, which offer a novel and cost-effective solution to challenges in waterborne emulsion coatings.

Chitosan/cellulose acetate (CS/CA) used as a biopolymer systema, with the addition of TiO₂ as photocatalyst (C-T/CA) were fabricated by alternating electrospinning/electrospraying technology. The uniform dispersion of TiO₂ and its recovery after the removal of methyl orange (MO) was achieved by incorporating TiO₂ in CS electrosprayed hemispheres. The effects of pH values, contact time, and the amount of TiO₂ on adsorption and photocatalytic degradation for MO of the C-T/CA were investigated in detail. When TiO₂ content was 3 wt %, the highest MO removal amount for fiber membranes (C-T-3/CA) reached 98% at pH value 4 and MO concentration of 40 mg/L. According to the data analysis, the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm model were well fitted to kinetic and equilibrium data of MO removal. Especially for C-T-3/CA, the fiber membrane exhibited multiple layers of adsorption. All these results indicated that adsorption caused by electrostatic interaction and photocatalytic degradation were involved in the MO removal process. This work provides a potential method for developing a novel photocatalyst with excellent catalytic activity, adsorbing capability and recycling use.

This study presents the development and characterization of a smart textile gas sensor based on the integration of ionic liquid (IL)-functionalized Cu₃(HHTP)₂ metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), using electrohydrodynamic jet (e-jet) printing. The sensor was designed for the detection of nitric oxide (NO) gas, a critical target in various environmental and safety applications. Cu₃(HHTP)₂ MOFs were synthesized and subsequently functionalized with 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate (EMIM⁺ Otf^-) ionic liquid to enhance their chemiresistive performance toward NO gas. The functionalized MOF was then e-jet printed onto electrospun polylactic acid (PLA) substrates to fabricate smart textile sensors. The IL-functionalized Cu₃(HHTP)₂ sensors demonstrated a 582× increase in conductivity compared to previously reported MOF-based sensors. Additionally, IL functionalization enhanced sensor sensitivity, with a response increasing from less than 5% in pristine MOF@PLA sensors to approximately 570% at 100 ppm of NO gas. Performance was systematically evaluated across NO concentrations ranging from 5 to 300 ppm, achieving a theoretical limit of detection of 3.7 ppm. The sensors exhibited partial reversibility and retained functionality over extended periods and under humid conditions. Comprehensive analyses using SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD were performed to assess the crystallinity of MOF deposits and elucidate the sensing mechanism. These findings highlight the potential of e-jet printing of IL-functionalized MOFs for the development of advanced, flexible gas sensors with applications in both civilian and military settings and implications for personal protective wearable technologies.

Chitosan/poly(ethylene oxide)/permutit (CS/PEO/PT) composite nanofibers were prepared via electrospinning and their potential application in the removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solutions was studied in detail. SEM results showed that the nanofibers were homogeneous and bead-free. XRD and DSC results demonstrated that there were strong interactions among CS, PEO and PT. The solubility test showed that the CS/PEO/PT composite membrane had excellent durability in water. The CS/PEO/PT-1% nanofibers exhibited the best adsorption performance for Cr(VI) ions in acidic solution (pH = 3) and at a low Cr(VI) concentration of 50 mg L⁻¹. The maximum adsorption capacity reached 208 mg g⁻¹. The adsorption kinetics and equilibrium data were well described by pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models, respectively. According to the results of FTIR and XPS analyses, protonation, ion exchange, electrostatic interactions and redox reactions were involved in the adsorption process. All the results indicated that the electrospun CS/PEO/PT nanofibers could be used as promising absorbents for the removal of Cr(VI).

The goal of this study is to explore a new strategy to improve the mechanical and hydrophobic properties of bacterial cellulose (BC) mats. The present work is the first to report the preparation of in situ self-assembled BC nanocomposites using electrospun hydrophobic poly(lactic acid) (PLA) or PLA/lipids (PLA/Lip) nanofiber mats as foundation for BC nanofiber growth. Adding electrospun PLA mats to the BC culture media led to a two-fold increase in toughness with a 52% increase in elongation of the nanocomposites with regard to BC. The incorporation of electrospun PLA and PLA/Lip nanofiber mats lowered the moisture regain and water vapor transmission of BC nanocomposites relative to pure BC mats. The interfacial bonding between the individual components of a nanocomposite is a key factor for the improvement of composite strength, stiffness, and barrier properties; thus additional strategies to improve interaction between hydrophilic BC and hydrophobic PLA fibers need to be explored.

The need for light-weight and high-strength insect-repellant fabrics is of critical importance to the cessation of viral diseases. The goal of the study is to investigate the structure and properties of insect-repellent polyamide fabrics for use in protective garments to guard against mosquitos. Permethrin was applied to the polyamide fabrics through incorporation into the nylon 6 polymer solution during electrospinning and dip coating onto the control untreated and oxygen plasma-treated polyamide fabrics: electropun nylon 6 nanofiber nonwovens, commercially available nylon 6 warp knit tricot, and nylon 66 double weft, knit interlock fabrics. The incorporation of permethrin into the polymer solution before the formation of fibers demonstrated the most efficient way to apply permethrin to the fiber/fabric systems. The plasma treatment significantly increased the amount of permethrin on the surface of the fabrics. All permethrin-containing polyamide fabrics showed excellent fastness of the insecticide to light. The electrospun nylon 6 nonwovens demonstrated the best fastness to washing among the plasma-treated electrospun nylon 6, nylon 66 double weft knit, and nylon 6 warp-knit tricot. All permethrin-treated fabrics were repellent and caused higher percentage of mosquito escape compared to the control untreated fabrics.