A flexible self-cleaning/antibacterial PVDF/T-ZnO fabric based on piezo-photocatalytic coupling effect for smart mask

Abstract A novel flexible composite fabric has been engineered by combining piezoelectric poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and tetrapod zinc oxide (T-ZnO) nanostructures, which are integrated onto a nonwoven fabric substrate. This fabric exhibits a wide array of functionalities, notably self-cleaning and antibacterial properties, facilitated by the synergistic piezo-photocatalytic coupling effect. Through the utilization of the piezoelectric effect inherent in PVDF/T-ZnO in tandem with the photocatalytic attributes of T-ZnO nanostructures, the fabric achieves concurrent degradation of organic pollutants and antibacterial efficacy when exposed to mechanical vibration and solar irradiation. The piezo-photocatalytic coupling effect engenders an internal electric field that aids in the effective separation of photo-generated carriers (electrons and holes), thereby diminishing recombination rates and augmenting the efficiency of the photocatalytic degradation process. Notably, organic pollutants such as methylene blue and azithromycin exhibit degradation levels of 96.0% and 92.6%, respectively, within a timeframe of 25 and 60 min. The incorporation of PVDF/T-ZnO results in an approximate 40% enhancement in the degradation rate of organic substances compared to the use of T-ZnO in isolation. Furthermore, the composite fabric showcases exceptional antibacterial efficacy, effectively inhibiting the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus . Experimental findings reveal that the average antibacterial zone diameter of the PVDF/T-ZnO fabric measures at 7.68 mm, significantly surpassing that of the T-ZnO fabric and nonwoven fabric. Given its remarkable self-cleaning and antibacterial attributes, the PVDF/T-ZnO fabric exhibits substantial potential for diverse applications, including the development of intelligent masks tailored for deployment in healthcare settings and polluted environments.