Preparation and modification of an embossed nanofibrous materials for robust filtration performance of PM0.2 removal

This work develops an embossed nanofiber membranes (ENMs) using 3D patterns for use in air mask filtration and compares this structure with a planar nanofibrous materials (PNMs). The embossed nanofiber membrane (ENM) was prepared using a combination of 3D printing and electrospinning technologies to increase the surface area of the ENM compared to that of planar structures. The surface area of the ENM was three times higher (66 m3 g(-1)) than that of the PNM (23 m(3) g(-1)). The embossing structure depended on hole size and height of the grid in the 3D pattern. The pore size of the nanofiber membranes (NMs) was controlled to 0.2 mm to enable robust filtration of ultrafine airborne particle and smog pollutants. The polyamide 6 ENM achieved excellent filtration efficiency via corona surface ionic modification with (--CH2CHCONH2+) or anion (--NHCH2COO-). Ion-modification generated an electrostatic attraction or van der Waals force/repulsive force between pollutant particles and the NM surface. The dynamic particle barrier efficiency of ionic ENMs was evaluated by dynamic particle removal efficiency (%), penetration (%), resistance (mmH(2)O), and air permeability (m(3)/m(2)/min) tests. Well-developed pore structures and large surface area of the NM were enhanced by the embossed structure compared to that of PNM. (C) 2020 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This work developed an embossed nanofiber membrane (ENMs) with 3D patterns for air mask filtration, which showed higher surface area and filtration efficiency compared to planar nanofibrous materials (PNMs). The ENMs achieved excellent filtration efficiency through ionic modification, attracting pollutant particles to the membrane surface.