Hierarchical ZnO nano-spines grown on a carbon fiber seed layer for efficient VOC removal and airborne virus and bacteria inactivation

Air purification through fiber-based filters has become a fundamental requirement for air contamination control. However, conventional filters depend on polymeric fibrous filters with adequate particulate matter removal ability but fewer degassing and biocidal effects. This study presents the photocatalytic volatile organic compound (VOC) oxidation and antimicrobial properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-spines sprouted activated-carbon nanofibers (I@ZnO/ACNFs) and their potential for air contamination control and infection prevention. By developing a novel technique that can induce phase separation of inorganic salts during electrospinning, nanofibers with zinc (Zn) components concentrated on the surface could be synthesized. I@ZnO/ACNFs exhibit a surface densely covered with high aspect-ratio ZnO nano-spines with significant lethality to airborne pathogens and enhanced photocatalytic activity toward VOCs. Moreover, excellent adhesion stability of ZnO to ACNFs under rapid airflow was observed in I@ZnO/ACNFs. In combination with intriguing antimicrobial activity and strong VOC removal capability derived from their unique morphology, novel I@ZnO/ACNFs hold potential for airborne microbial disinfection, effective and sustainable VOC purification, and the design of photomicrobicidal and photocatalytic materials.

Automated summary

This study introduces zinc oxide nano-spines sprouted activated-carbon nanofibers with photocatalytic volatile organic compound oxidation and antimicrobial properties, showing potential for air contamination control and infection prevention. The novel technique of inducing phase separation during electrospinning enables the synthesis of nanofibers with concentrated zinc components on the surface, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity and antimicrobial effects. These I@ZnO/ACNFs hold promise for airborne microbial disinfection, sustainable VOC purification, and the development of photomicrobicidal and photocatalytic materials.