Effect of Surfactant Washing on the Readsorption Performance and Particle Durability of MOF-Coated Cotton Fabrics

Abstract

Metal–organic framework (MOF)-functionalized textiles have attracted considerable attention as advanced materials for protective clothing due to their high adsorption performance; however, their structural stability and performance recovery under surfactant-based laundering conditions remain poorly understood. In this study, the washing behavior of MIL-53(Fe)@cotton fabric was systematically investigated by examining the effects of surfactant types, temperatures, and mechanical forces on the readsorption performance of cationic rhodamine B (RhB) and anionic methyl orange (MO). Surfactant-assisted washing partially restored pore accessibility while preserving the framework structure. The readsorption behavior depended strongly on dye-specific interactions with surfactant-modified interfaces. In particular, linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) significantly improved the RhB readsorption, whereas its influence on MO was comparatively limited. Semiempirical calculations supported these observations, revealing pronounced surfactant-dependent changes in the adsorption energy on RhB but minor variations for MO. Among the mechanical regeneration methods examined, the laundering-o-meter treatment yielded the higest readsorption performance while better preserving the framework structure than stirring and ultrasonication. These findings elucidate the mechanism of surfactant-assisted washing in MOF-functionalized textiles and provide insights into maintaining their structural integrity and adsorption performance during practical laundering.