The ZnO and ZnS coatings of cotton fabrics (2.5 × 2 cm 2 ) were synthesised by the hydro(solvo)thermal method at 160 °C for 120 min. In the preparation of ZnO coatings, 7.34 mmol of zinc acetate was dissolved in 80 mL of deionised water, and then 3 mL of ammonium hydroxide (30% in NH3, Synth) was added. This solution was transferred to a Teflon autoclave with the cotton fabrics, properly sealed and placed in a muffle oven. The process was carried out at 160 °C for 120 min, repeated twice, with varying concentration of the Zn precursor, 3.68 and 1.84 mmol.