LAUSR

Abstract This research reports the production of self-assembled colloidal silver/silica (Ag/SiO2) nanoflowers as well as star-like titania included one (TiO2/Ag/SiO2 nanostars) for the first time. We devise a green pathway for self-assembling process via a fast one-pot single-step technique in pure water media without using any chemicals on the account of selecting well-engineered nanostructure components rewarding their zero zeta potential values varying upper and under pH = 7. The formation mechanisms of these nanostructures are elaborated and modeled serving as a key major guideline to control the self-assembling of nanostructures. The nanostructures as well as TiO2 colloidal solutions are applied to viscose/polyester fabrics via an easily-scalable green water-based pad-dry technique. Successful multifunctional features are recorded for the treated samples. The samples treated with TiO2/Ag/SiO2 nanostars and Ag/SiO2 nanoflowers demonstrate the best and worst photocatalytic activities, respectively. Ozone and polysiloxane biomimetic co-photocatalysis assistant mechanisms are deeply discussed, proposing running a chain-reaction mechanism.