Large-scale mechanically automated embroidered flexible electronic fabrics photoelectrocatalysis degradation of the interior air pollutant formaldehyde

The rapid industrialization of the world has led to the significant release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere, resulting in substantial pollution and posing serious threats to human health, as well as the survival of animals and plants. Here, a flexible electronic fabric (FEF) that can be embroidered by large-scale mechanically automated processes was designed to photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) degrade the VOCs formaldehyde (HCHO) in interior environments. The FEF with PEC function was manufactured by embroidering 316 L stainless steel fibers (316 L SSF) with good conductivity onto a nylon mesh with good insulation and breathability, followed by coating the hybrid platinum-titanium dioxide and polyurethane (Pt-TiO2/PU) photocatalytic materials on the FEF surface. The UV-Vis spectrophotometer and fluorescence spectrophotometer were used to analyze the spectra of Pt-TiO2 with varying PU concentration loads, and the transient photocurrent response, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), Raman spectrometer, zero point of charge (ZPC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to study the Pt-TiO2/PU characteristics at ideal PU concentration loads. The FEF covered with photocatalytic materials was placed in a self-made glass sealed container to simulate a cyclic environment. The results showed that 40 ppm of HCHO could be completely degraded within three hours through the synergistic effect of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. This FEF with PEC capabilities that can be embroidered in large quantities, has tremendous application potential for eradicating interior air pollutants.