Sustainable self-cleaning fabrics enabled by sunlit metal oxide catalysts: A critical review

This review examines the development of sustainable self-cleaning fabrics inspired by natural designs such as lotus leaves and butterfly wings, focusing on the role of metal oxide nanostructures and their nanocomposites in enhancing photocatalytic properties. The dual principles of hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity and their impact on self-cleaning performance are discussed. The suitability of various fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, nylon, and flax, as substrates for metal oxide photocatalysts, is discussed, with particular emphasis on polyester. The most widely utilized metal oxide coatings, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and silicon dioxide (SiO2), are evaluated for their effectiveness. The photocatalytic mechanisms by which these metal oxides actively degrade organic matter under sunlight are highlighted, and recent advancements in functionalizing these materials to improve efficiency under visible light are detailed. The impact of particle size on adhesive properties and various synthesis methods are also discussed. Finally, the review anticipates future innovations aimed at producing affordable, highly active, and durable self-cleaning fabrics, providing a comprehensive guide for researchers in this field.