Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Based Electrospun Nanofiber Membrane for Passive Indoor Moisture Control

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), an emerging class of porous sorbents, have become one of the most promising functional materials for indoor moisture regulation. However, the practical application of MOFs in building environments is challenging. Common shaping forms of MOFs (e.g., pellets, tablets, monoliths, granules, coating, etc.) may lead to agglomeration of MOF particles, higher usage costs, low efficiency, and material waste. Here, we report a new MOF-based electrospun nanofiber membrane with high porosity, light weight, and a large surface-area-to-volume ratio. MOF nanoparticles distributed on the fibers can fully contact moisture in the air, thus significantly enhancing MOFs' utilization and performance. The results of the moisture adsorption test show that the improved MOF membrane has significantly higher water vapor uptake than most conventional hygroscopic materials and textiles in built environments. A building energy model was established to evaluate the MOF membrane's effect on building energy consumption under different climates worldwide. The simulation results show that the MOF membrane can efficiently moderate indoor moisture fluctuation and has excellent energy-saving potential. The latent heat load reduction rate in summer can be up to 80-90% in arid/semi-arid climates and around 50% in temperate climates in a purely passive manner.

Automated summary

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a promising functional material for indoor moisture regulation. However, their practical application in building environments is challenging due to issues like agglomeration and low efficiency. In this study, we developed a new MOF-based electrospun nanofiber membrane that allows for enhanced MOF utilization and performance. The improved MOF membrane showed significantly higher water vapor uptake compared to conventional materials. Building energy simulations demonstrated that the MOF membrane can effectively moderate indoor moisture and has excellent energy-saving potential.