Electrospun nanofibers for high-performance air filtration

• Published in: Composites communications 2019-10, Vol.15, p.6-19
• Main Authors: Li, Yuyao, Yin, Xia, Yu, Jianyong, Ding, Bin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air filtration; Assembling structure; Electrospinning; Electrostatic effect; Nanofibers
• ISSN: 2452-2139; 2452-2139
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coco.2019.06.003

The development of air filtration materials (AFMs) has drawn increasing research interest due to the fact that air pollution is posing an enormous threat to human health on a global scale. However, the fabrication of AFMs with both high filtration efficiency and low pressure drop remains a challenge. Owing to the advantages of small fiber diameter, tunable porous structure, and substantial charges in situ injected, electrospun nanofibers have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for AFMs. In this review, universal strategies for preparing high-performance electrospun AFMs (EAFMs) are concluded, involving the construction of structures and the enhancement of electrostatic effect. For the structures, not only the two-dimensional membranes that composed of smooth fibers and hierarchically structured fibers but also the recently developed three-dimensional nanofibrous aerogels are comprehensively summarized. As to the electrostatic effect, two primary techniques for fabricating charged EAFMs are discussed. This review finally concludes with challenges and perspectives, aiming to provide practical guidance for the further development of EAFMs. •Design criteria of electrospun nanofibers for high-performance air filters are reviewed based on filtration mechanisms.•The relationship between structures and air filtration performance is discussed.•The contribution of electrostatic effect on improving air filtration performance is highlighted.•Current challenges and guidelines for the development of air filtration materials are provided.