A reliable detection method for nano-silver in functional textiles

Except for conventional functions, special textiles doped with nanoscale particles have shown quite attractive properties, such as antibacterial activity, deodorization, hydrophobicity, and ultraviolet/electromagnetic protection. However, facile and reliable methods for quality assessment of those functional nano-textiles are remarkably demanded for market surveillance and consumer protection. Herein, a novel detection method of silver in textiles was established for the comprehensive detection and a practical flow chart was also demonstrated as an experimental pathway including pretreatment, qualitative and quantitative analysis. The optimal ashing parameter (450°C for 1 h) in the pretreatment process was explored to improve detection sensitivity. The qualitative analysis was performed through X-ray diffraction for crystallinity, scanning electron microscopy for morphology, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) for elements. The real existent status of the silver components could be decided via the flow chart. As shown with the detected sample, the content was calculated by the weight loss at 1050–1500°C from thermogravimetric analysis measurement and the accuracy of the quantitative process was also checked via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Finally, the detection limit of the method was investigated up to μg/g. The obvious advantage of the reported method was facile and reliable to achieve comprehensive identification from the dimension scale and crystal form to the component. Moreover, this analytical strategy could be also applied for the detection of other nanoscale metals or metal oxides in functional textiles.