A Novel Polyester Fabric Treated with Nanoclay/Nano TiO₂/PAMAM for Discoloration of Reactive Red 4 from Aqueous Solution Under UVA Irradiation

Here, a commercially available absorbent with a high absorbance capacity (Cloisite^® 15A) together with the high active nano photocatalyst (AEROXIDE^® TiO₂ P 25) and polyamidoamine based dendrimer (PAMAM) were immobilized on polyester fabric through simple pad-dry-cure method for removing dye from an aqueous solution. Using three components with good activities toward discoloration expected to produce a substrate with an excellent discoloration capacity. FESEM images with EDX patterns and X-ray diffraction spectra revealed the presence of nanoclay and nano TiO₂ on the surface of the fabric. Discoloration of Reactive Red 4 (RR4) was carried out successfully by addition of a piece of the treated fabric in the dye solution under UVA irradiation. UV–visible spectra of the remaining solutions after discoloration indicated complete discoloration of RR4 solution for several times. The photocatalytic properties of the treated fabric was not changed after consecutive discoloration however the fabric surface was colored due to the presence of nanoclay on the surface acting as the dye absorbent. Graphical Abstract: .