Graphene oxide/zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8 coating for cotton fabrics with highly flame retardant, self-cleaning and efficient oil/water separation performances

A coating comprising graphene oxide (GO) and oleic acid (OA)-modified zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8 (ZIF-8) was deposited to cotton fabrics with the aim of obtaining a flame-retardant, self-cleaning and superhydrophobic features. SEM images showed a rough surface with hierarchical structure for GO-cotton/ZIF-8. Existence of the coating on the surface of cotton fabrics was proved by XPS spectra and FT-IR characterization. Surface of the GO-cotton/ZIF-8 fabrics achieved a remarkable degree of thermal and mechanical stability and superhydrophobicity. The results from a flame test demonstrated a protective effect of the coating on the cotton fabrics against fire. Additionally, the GO-cotton/ZIF-8 cotton showed superior self-cleaning ability and oil/water separation performance due to its superhydrophobic surface. Thus, it has a wide range of potential applications in military equipment and outdoor clothing.