Silicon-based nano pigment particles for sustainable textile printing and dyeing: enhanced dye utilization and reduced wastewater discharge

Enhancing dye utilization and reducing dye emissions are essential goals for the textile industry, achievable by immobilizing dyes on a carrier to minimize dye consumption and wastewater generation. This study introduces silicon-based nano pigment particles (SNPPs) synthesized by immobilizing reactive dyes onto silica nanospheres via (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES). The structure-property relationship between the reactive dye structure and the performance of SNPPs is systematically elucidated. SNPPs achieved adsorption rates exceeding 80 % for K-type reactive dyes (capacity >80 mg/g) and over 90 % for M-type, KN-type, and X-type dyes (capacities >110 mg/g). The particles exhibited high electronegativity (>-60 mV), excellent dispersibility, and stability, with bi-functional reactive dyes demonstrating superior performance due to enhanced covalent interactions. Application in cotton fabric printing and dyeing yielded vivid colors (color strength up to 10.37) and excellent fastness properties (rubbing: 3–4, washing: 4–5, light: 3–5 grades). Furthermore, cotton fabric dyed with recycled SNPPs showed consistent colorimetric performance and color fastness properties across five regeneration cycles. This innovation offers a scalable, eco-friendly solution for textile coloration, aligning with industrial sustainability goals.