Functional spunbond fabric composited with silver and zirconium co-doped titanium dioxide for Legionella pneumophila disinfection

Abstract

The development of functional antibacterial spunbond fabrics is critical for improving indoor environmental treat-ment. This study presents the fabrication of polypropylene (PP) fibers embedded with silane-modified Zr/Ag co-doped TiO<inf>2</inf> nanoparticles. The Zr (5 mol%) and Ag (3 mol%) co-doped TiO<inf>2</inf> nanoparticles were synthesized via a solvothermal method and subsequently modified with 5 wt% hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS), referred to as ZATS5. The solvothermal method enables the controlled synthesis of phase-pure, well-dispersed nanostructures and facilitates dopant incorporation in the photocatalysts completely. Additionally, HDTMS surface modification improved compatibility with the polypropylene matrix, enhancing dispersion and interfacial bonding and improving overall composite performance. ZATS5 was incorporated into the PP matrix through melt spinning to produce composite fibers. The minimum of ZATS5 at 1 wt% embedded in spun-bond nonwoven composite (PP/ZATS5-1) demonstrated the fiber’s structural integrity and remarkable antibacterial activity. The PP/ZATS5-1 nonwoven fabric achieved 99.98% inactivation of Legionella pneumophila under dark conditions and complete inhibition under visible light. This research offers a scalable and effective strategy for developing antibacterial spunbond nonwoven fabrics with potential applications in medical textiles, as well as air and water purification systems op-erating under ambient indoor lighting.