Multifunctional Filter Membranes Based on Self-Assembled Core-Shell Biodegradable Nanofibers for Persistent...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted environmental concerns from single-use plastic respiratory masks.
• Conventional mask filters often degrade over time and contribute to plastic pollution.
• There is a need for biodegradable filters with sustained high performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a biodegradable polymeric filter membrane with enhanced filtration performance and durability.
• To investigate the synergistic effects of polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and montmorillonite (MMT) clay.
• To create an eco-friendly alternative to conventional non-recyclable mask filters.

Main Methods:

• A biodegradable filter membrane was fabricated using a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) matrix blended with CTAB and MMT clay.
• Surface modification of MMT clay via cation exchange reactions improved miscibility with PBAT.
• Electrospinning was employed to create a nanofiber membrane (NFM) with a partial core-shell structure.

Main Results:

• The PBAT@CTAB-MMT NFM exhibited a unique core-shell structure, enhancing the triboelectric effect and conferring antibacterial/antiviral properties.
• Unlike conventional filters, the PBAT@CTAB-MMT NFM continuously retained surface electrostatic charges due to the triboelectric effect.
• The NFM-based filter demonstrated high filtration efficiency (98.3% for PM0.3) at low differential pressure (≤40 Pa) throughout its operational life.

Conclusions:

• The developed PBAT@CTAB-MMT NFM offers a sustainable and high-performance solution for respiratory masks, addressing plastic waste concerns.
• The triboelectric effect of the hybrid material provides a stable filtration mechanism, overcoming limitations of conventional electrostatic filters.
• This research provides insights into utilizing organic-inorganic hybrid materials for advanced applications beyond filtration membranes.