Particulate matter pollution poses a significant health risk to individuals, contributing to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems. In response to this growing concern, nanofibrous air filters have gained considerable attention due to their high surface-to-volume ratio. This unique property increases the contact area between fine particles and nanofibers, leading to enhanced filtration efficiency. However, the widespread application of nanofibrous air filters is often hindered by two key limitations: limited air permeability, caused by the dense filter media, and relatively poor durability, including weaknesses in mechanical strength, dust-holding capacity, and temperature resistance etc.
To address these challenges and comprehensively improve the performance of nanofibrous filters, our strategy focuses on developing advanced fibrous air filters through innovative structural designs. By employing electrospinning technology, we can precisely control the filter’s structure from the macro-scale down to the nano-/molecular-scale. This allows for a synergistic enhancement of both filtration efficiency and durability. Several examples will be provided in this presentation to illustrate the methods used to fabricate these novel micro-nano fibrous air filters.
In brief, by strategically selecting polymers and designing the fiber and composite layer structure, (1) the multilevel structured filter is constructed to optimize the air flow path and filtration efficiency; (2) the fiber surface structure is modified to achieve cleanability and reusability of air filter; (3) the intermolecular structure of fibers is regulated to improve durability of filtering materials.