Highly transparent TiO2/cellulose hybrid film with enhanced UV shielding, dye absorption, photocatalytic, and antibacterial properties

Transparency is an important characteristic for film products, yet it remains a formidable challenge in the realm of organic-inorganic hybrid and composite materials. Herein, we report the development of transparent TiO 2 /cellulose hybrid films through an innovative in situ synthesis method, integrating TiO 2 formation during the regeneration process of cellulose. These hybrid films exhibit exceptional transparency, rivaling that of pure regenerated cellulose films, while simultaneously boasting a robust UV-shielding capacity. The successful integration of TiO 2 into the hybrid films was validated through XPS and Raman analysis, while XRD patterns revealed a decrease in the crystallinity of regenerated cellulose due to the introduction of TiO 2 . To investigate the dye removal capabilities of these films, methylene blue was chosen as a model dye. Our experiments indicate that the incorporation of TiO 2 significantly enhances the dye absorption capacity and catalytic photodegradation activity of the regenerated cellulose film. Furthermore, antibacterial tests targeting Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus revealed that these hybrid films exhibit remarkable antibacterial properties, effectively inhibiting bacterial growth in both dark and UVC irradiation conditions. Collectively, these results underscore the promising applications of TiO 2 /cellulose hybrid films in diverse fields, including dye wastewater treatment and active food packaging. Graphical abstract