Tomsk: Scientists at Tomsk State University (TSU) have developed a technology for producing a new class of woven sorbent materials. These fabrics can absorb harmful substances from the air, self-clean under the influence of sunlight, and be used to monitor human health, as reported by the website of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, according to TV BRICS.
According to Emirates News Agency, the unique approach taken by the researchers involves growing the material directly within the fabric rather than applying it onto the surface. This technique increases the content of the metal-organic framework (MOF) to 10-25 percent within the composite material and enhances the stability of its incorporation into the fabric's structure. Valeriya Lobanova, a student at TSU's Faculty of Chemistry and one of the study's authors, highlighted this significant advancement.
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are materials with a porous structure that have not been widely utilized. The Russian scientists addressed some of the challenges related to MOFs by developing a patented method for their immobilization within fabric structures. This involves introducing a precursor into the fabric, allowing the material to self-assemble at elevated temperatures using linker molecules. Nanoscale MOF particles form on the fabric's fibers and in the inter-fiber spaces, ensuring high stability.
The research utilized cotton and polyethylene terephthalate (lavsan, polyester) as base materials, and efforts are underway to test a wider range of fabrics. The team experimented with three types of polymers. One polymer, Cu-HKUST, provided the fabric with sorption properties for gaseous pollutants. Another type not only absorbed harmful pollutants but also neutralized them through catalytic degradation. The third type, MIL-100(Fe), exhibited photocatalytic activity, effectively breaking down organic compounds under sunlight and purifying water of phenol at room temperature. This simplified production process adds to the material's practical applications.
The authors suggest that the materials developed can be used for water purification and the creation of smart fabrics capable of absorbing harmful substances or odors, which then self-clean under sunlight or soft ultraviolet light. Additionally, MOF nanoparticles in the fabric can act as drug capsules for treating skin conditions, monitor harmful exposure levels in industrial settings, and assist in gathering information on the condition of people and the environment.