Noninquilibrium Evaporation-Driven Preparation of Nanofiber Membranes with Streamlined Structures for Ultraefficient Gas‒Solid Separation

Abstract

Filtration materials are designed with nanofibrous structures to address the trade-off effect between filtration efficiency and resistance. However, achieving a breakthrough in these performance metrics remains challenging. Inspired by the white stork wing, we present a novel rod‒ribbon interwoven nanofiber membrane with ultraefficient filtration efficiency for PM. The silica (SiO₂)/tin dioxide (SnO₂) hybrid membrane was fabricated using a one-step electrospinning approach, where its unique structure was formed under the influence of solvent nonequilibrium evaporation during the electrospinning process. The optimized interwoven structure enables the membranes to achieve an outstanding filtration efficiency of 99.96% for PM_0.3 at an airflow velocity of 5.33 cm/s while maintaining a minimal pressure drop of 62 Pa (

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 = 0.12 Pa⁻¹). The mechanisms underlying the material's formation and the enhancement of its filtration performance were systematically analyzed. Consequently, this study provides novel insights and methodologies for developing high-performance air filtration materials, thereby supporting the strategic objectives of low-carbon development.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

Rod‒ribbon interwoven nanofibers / Air filtration / Electrospinning / Inorganic nanofiber membrane

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Funding

National Key Research and Development Project of China(2022YFB3804904)

National Outstanding Youth Science Fund Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China(22208148)

State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials(KF2401)

Jiangsu Future Membrane Technology Innovation Center(BM2021804)

Natural Science Research of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of Chi-na(22KJB530001)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Donghua University, Shanghai, China