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The successful attachment of semiconducting BiOCl and TiO₂ nanoparticles to cotton fibers by in situ approaches is reported. The influence of the experimental conditions required for both Cotton-NPs preparation was investigated, namely the effect of the temperature required for TiO₂ synthesis. A homogeneous, continuous and stable TiO₂ layer, coating the fibers surface, was achieved, whereas BiOCl particles were found distributed on the fiber surface. The properties conferred upon NPs immobilization were evaluated considering morphological, structural and optical aspects as well as the photocatalytic ability granted by the nanoparticles, by means of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD and UV-vis). The functionalization with NPs conferred catalytic activity to the new materials, in the naphthol blue black (NBB) photodegradation, involving distinct oxidant species participation. The synthesis under mild conditions, at room temperature, the stability and the extended light absorption to the visible range of BiOCl when exposed to UV–vis light irradiation confers further advantage to the Cot-BiOCl sample as compared to the Cot-TiO₂. However, the extended reusability of the Cot-TiO₂ modified fibers imparts significant advantage to this material. Nevertheless, both modified fiber materials show promising potential applicability for photocatalysis and self-cleaning purposes. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.