Functionalized electrospun nanofibers for high efficiency removal of particulate matter

In recent years, introducing electrospun airfilters to enhance the removal of PM_2.5 and PM_10-2.5 has received much interest. In this study, a novel poly-(vinyl) alcohol (PVA)/carbon nanoparticle (CNP)/tea leaf extract (TLE), functionalized nanofibrous air filter (FNA) was fabricated using an electrospinning method. Novelty of the unique work in the blending of CNP and TLE, first of its kind, for the preparation of FNA. Polysaccharide crosslinked FNA has a carbon complex with two monosaccharide units to produce the intrinsic properties of the PM_2.5 and PM_10-2.5 removal efficiency. The FNA had promising traits of UV protection. The prepared FNA was characterized using physicochemical, mechanical, antimicrobial activity, etc., in addition to its PM_2.5 and PM_10-2.5 removal efficiency. Pore size and distribution study using the capillary flow porometry method has proved the structure of FNA. FNA exhibited excellent low pressure drop (110 Pa), which are promising characteristics for air purification. FNA from PVA: CNP: TLE exhibited high PM_2.5 and PM_10-2.5 removal efficiencies of 99.25% and 99.29%, respectively. Hence, the study proved.