Wastewater Treatment
In this first study, I reported a novel cross-linking approach to fabricate the hydrothermally neutralized silica hydrogel. The synthesized silica hydrogel possessed a large specific surface area and showed excellent dye adsorption capability of cationic dyes in neutral (pH 7) and alkaline (pH 9) medium from wastewater.
Following my first study on dye adsorption, a novel copper-based catalyst supported by a long-chain hydrocarbon stearic acid was synthesized by a hydrothermal method and double replacement reactions. The catalyst has a good performance on adsorption as well as Fenton-like catalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dyes.
In my third study, I reported the fabrication of a novel nanoporous photo-catalyst by a simple ion exchange method to eliminate the reactive dyes. The synthesized catalyst exhibited fast photo-degradation and excellent adsorption capability and could efficiently remove dyes from wastewater.
Water/Stain Repellent Coatings
This work was my first attempt to achieve superhydrophobicity. Here I described a facile and efficient fabrication strategy for creating robust fluorine-free superhydrophobic composite coatings that are prepared by a simple dip-dry method, in which the H3BO3-incorporated SiO2–alkyl-silane coatings are deposited on woven cotton fabric surfaces followed by polydimethylsiloxane modification.
In my second attempt, I reported the novel fabrication of durable, fluorine-free, and self-healing superhydrophobic cotton textiles by utilizing boric acid as a cross-linker to silica nanoparticles and poly (vinyl alcohol) followed by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) modification through a simple dip-dry coating technique.
In this work, a superoleophobic textile treatment was designed for nylon fabrics based on perfluoropolyether chemistry. Treated fabrics showed superoleophobicity for n-hexadecane with a contact angle of 150° ± 4°, and a contact angle of 80° ± 5° for n-octane. The oil-repellent finish exhibited good washing fastness and could still repel n-decane after 10 washing cycles.
Microplastic Pollution
Here, we report a robust fabric finish for nylon, taking advantage of environmentally friendly polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brushes, which lessen the release of MPFs by lowering friction. A molecular primer based on sulfonated mercaptosilane creates strong ionic bonding between the PDMS coating and the nylon fabric to enhance wash durability. Accordingly, MPF formation can be reduced by 93 ± 2% for coated fabrics after repeated laundering.
In this review, we begin by discussing the hazardous effect on living beings and the identification-characterization of micro/nanoplastics. Then, we provide a summary of the existing degradation strategies, which include bio-degradation and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), and a detailed discussion of their degradation mechanisms is also represented. Finally, a persuasive summary of the evaluated work and projections for the future of this topic is provided.
Personal Moisture Management Textiles
Here, we develop a new type of fluid transport textile design by combining physical and chemical wettability patterns to transport and remove liquids like sweat. First, a non-toxic, superhydrophobic fabric finish is developed that retains the air permeability of the fabric. Next, two superhydrophobic fabric layers are threaded together, containing wettability channels patterned at the inner/interi
Nanofluid-Filled Surfaces
A composite panel inspired by animal skin, consisting of a facesheet protecting a nanofluid layer beneath, which exhibits durable anti-icing and tunable photothermal properties is proposed. This durable and tunable nanofluid-filled composite panel shows great promise as a multifunctional de-icing material.