Highly Efficient, Transparent, and Multifunctional Air Filters Using Self-Assembled 2D Nanoarchitectured Fibrous Networks

摘要

Particulate matter (PM) pollution is a significant burden on global economies and public health. Most present air filters are heavy, bulky, and non transparent and typically have inevitable compromise between removal efficiency and air permeability. We report a scalable strategy to create ultralight, thin, rubbery, self-assembled nanoarchitectured networks (nanonetworks) with high-efficiency and transparency (ULTRA NET) as air filters using capacitive-like electronetting technology. By controlling the ejection, deformation, and phase separation of charged droplets from a Taylor cone, our approach allows continuously welded two-dimensional nanonetworks (similar to 20 nm fiber diameter) to assemble into filters on a large scale. The resulting ULTRA NET filters exhibit integrated properties of desirable pore structure yet maintaining strikingly low thickness (similar to 350 nm) and freestanding capability, 99.98% removal efficiency, and <0.07% of atmosphere pressure for PM0.3 filtration at similar to 85.6% transmittance, which enable them to serve as a multifunctional filter against PMs either in rigid solid or in soft oil forms and even biohazard pathogens. This work should serve as a source of inspiration for the design and development of high-performance fibrous materials for various filtration and separation applications.