Electrospinner: Stable and reusable electrospun bio-composite Nanofiber membranes based on PLA and natural fillers for air filtration applications

Abstract

A composite fiber membrane based on PLA and natural fillers was developed for air filtration. The addition of natural fillers can reduce the fiber diameter, increase the surface roughness, and enhance the electrostatic adsorption capacity, thereby improving the filtration efficiency. The filtration efficiencies of PLA/POL and PLA/LIG composite membranes for PM3 were 99.4% and 99.6%, respectively, with low pressure drop. The composite membranes can maintain good filtration efficiency under different environmental conditions, have certain UV resistance, and can be reused at least five times. This study provides a new idea for the development of sustainable, reusable and UV-resistant air filtration materials, which will help reduce environmental pollution, improve indoor and outdoor air quality, and protect public health.

Methods

The researchers selected PLA as the matrix material and added three natural fillers (cactus pulp OFI, seaweed leaf POL, and lignin LIG) to prepare composite fiber membranes with different compositions by electrospinning technology. The composite membranes were subjected to morphological observation, mechanical property tests, air filtration performance tests, and UV protection performance tests to evaluate their performance. The stability of the composite membranes was evaluated by changing the temperature, humidity, and UV irradiation intensity. The reusability of the composite membrane was evaluated by multiple washing and filtration tests.

Research Highlights

Application of natural fillers: As natural fillers in the preparation of PLA fiber membranes, the biodegradability and sustainability of the materials are improved.

Structure and properties of composite membranes: The composite membranes prepared by electrospinning technology have nanoscale fiber structures and larger specific surface areas than traditional melt-blown polypropylene fiber membranes, thereby improving the filtration efficiency. The addition of LIG enhances the electrostatic adsorption capacity of the composite membranes and further improves the filtration efficiency of PM1. The addition of OFI and LIG provides UV protection for the composite membranes, making them more suitable for outdoor applications.

Stability and reusability: The composite membranes can maintain good filtration efficiency under different environmental conditions, showing good stability. The composite membranes can be reused at least five times while maintaining the fiber structure and good filtration efficiency, making them more sustainable.

Environmental protection: The composite membrane material developed in this study is biodegradable and can be composted after use to reduce environmental pollution.

Conclusion

The preparation and properties of a new superhydrophobic and durable nanofibrous membrane based on PLA and natural fillers were studied. By chemically treating PLA emulsion and converting it into nanofibers, and then forming SiO2 particles on the surface of the nanofibers through a hydrothermal-assisted sol-gel process, the resulting nanofiber membrane exhibited excellent performance.

Electrospinning Nanofibers Article Source:

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsanm.2c02017