Embellishing 2-D MoS 2 Nanosheets on Lotus Thread Devices for Enhanced Hydrophobicity and Antimicrobial Activity.

Herein, we report cellulose-based threads from Indian sacred Lotus ( Nelumbo nucifera ) of the Nymphaceae family embellished with MoS 2 nanosheets for its enhanced hydrophobic and antimicrobial properties. MoS 2 nanosheets synthesized by a coprecipitation method using sodium molybdate dihydrate (Na 2 MoO 4 ·2H 2 O) and thioacetamide (CH 3 CSNH 2 ) were used as a sourse for MoS 2 particle growth with cellulose threads extracted from lotus peduncles. The size, crystallinity, and morphology of pure and MoS 2 -coated fibers were studied using X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). the XRD pattern of pure lotus threads showed a semicrystalline nature, and the threads@MoS 2 composite showed more crystallinity than the pure threads. SEM depicts that pure lotus threads possess a smooth surface, and the MoS 2 nanosheets growth can be easily identified on the threads@MoS 2 . Further, the presence of MoS 2 nanosheets on threads was confirmed with EDX elemental analysis. Antimicrobial studies with Escherichia coli and Candida albicans reveal that threads@MoS 2 have better resistance than its counterpart, i.e., pure threads. MoS 2 sheets play a predominant role in restricting the wicking capability of the pure threads due to their enhanced hydrophobic property. The water absorbency assay denotes the absorption rate of threads@MoS 2 to 80%, and threads@MoS 2 shows no penetration for the observed 60 min, thus confirming its wicking restriction. The contact angle for threads@MoS 2 is 128°, indicating its improved hydrophobicity.