Scalable Processing and Photothermal Energy Balance of PET Fibers Functionalized by MoS2 Monolayers

Functionalizing commodity polymers via 2D materials is fundamentally challenged by nanofiller aggregation during large-scale processing. Herein, a scalable approach coupling in situ polymerization and melt spinning is reported to fabricate polyethylene terephthalate (PET) textiles reinforced with defect-rich monolayer MoS2. This strategy ensures uniform dispersion and preserves pristine monolayer integrity, unlocking superior functionality even at trace loadings. Across a concentration gradient of 0.01 to 0.5 wt %, the composite fabrics exhibit a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 55.3% and a correspondingly tunable surface temperature elevation (ΔT = 16.3 to 56.6 °C). Furthermore, the internal heat generation and environmental dissipation mechanisms are quantitatively elucidated via a comprehensive thermal energy balance model. Additionally, these textiles demonstrate broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy (>96% inhibition) at a trace loading of 0.01 wt %, achieving massive dosage reductions relative to literature benchmarks. This manufacturing route provides a robust framework for designing advanced multifunctional polymeric materials.