Eco-friendly synthesis of cus nanoparticles and their application in the functionalization of cotton fabric with integrated electrical conductivity and antimicrobial properties

Multifunctional textile development through nanoparticle treatment, associated with an eco-friendly and sustainable process, has long been a topic of high interest in textile research and applications. In this research, a study was conducted in which Copper Sulfide nanoparticles (CuS NPs) were synthesized via green synthesis using Neem Leaves Extract, in addition to chemical synthesis. Then, they were treated on cotton woven fabrics for dual functionalities of electrical conductivity and antimicrobial effect at different concentrations, where chitosan was used as a binder for the CuS nanoparticles, which had never been done or reported. The Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) report showed average nanoparticle sizes of 55.41 nm and 13.064 nm, respectively, for the chemical and green synthesis processes. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) report confirmed CuS NPs with a mixed phase of digenite, Anilite, and Djurleite, while the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) reports ensured proper treatment and bonding. The green-synthesized CuS NP-treated fabrics exhibited better electrical conductivity against a DC voltage source, and antimicrobial effect against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, than chemically synthesized CuS NP-treated fabrics at all concentrations, making it an eco-friendly, sustainable, and better process. The Tearing strength (by 22.22%) and crease recovery (by 26.25% and 11.43% in warp and weft ways) increased, while tensile strength (by 5.3%) was found to be decreased minimally.