Viburnum-like MoS2 modified bacterial cellulose membrane provides a self-floating, self-cleaning, and antibacterial platform for dyes adsorption and oil-water separation

A series of bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes modified with viburnum-like MoS 2 were successfully synthesized via a novel biomimetic design derived from the plant morphology of 3D viburnum flowers located on 1D branches. In a typical MoS 2 /BC composite, the BC scaffolds not only achieved high dispersion of MoS 2 microflower units, but also held excellent superhydrophobic potential owing to the abundant “windows” provided by the cross-linked BC fibers. By associating the results of characterizations and the surface wettability, the relationship between the morphology and properties of MoS 2 /BC was carefully investigated. Surface clean MoS 2 /BC had excellent light-driven water evaporation rate (3.01 kg· m −2 · h −1 ) under 1 sun irradiation. Besides, the bioinspired rough surface of organosilicon (POTS) modified MoS 2 /BC membrane exhibited superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 159°, which helped the 3D scaffolds “stand” on the water surface like a water strider. This flexible rough surface enabled the material to possess both self-floating and self-cleaning capabilities. In addition, the synergistic effect of the viburnum-like MoS 2 and the interconnected porous network of BC endows the membrane with excellent oil-water separation efficiency (still ∼95% after 20 cycles) as well as great potential for efficient dye adsorption. Notably, the flower-like 1 T@2H-MoS 2 in BC membrane could provide efficient antibacterial abilities for S. aureus and E. coli even without light irradiation. Meanwhile, possible mechanisms for the above multifunctions of the MoS 2 /BC membrane have been discussed. This unique biomass-derived route provided an ideal platform for further design of self-floating membrane with outstanding potential for water treatments.