Hyperbranched Polymer Induced Antibacterial Tree-Like Nanofibrous Membrane for High Effective Air Filtration

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Effective air filtration materials with antibacterial properties are vital for personal health.
• Existing materials often lack a balance of high efficiency, low resistance, and antimicrobial capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a tree-like polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibrous membrane with enhanced hierarchical structure and antibacterial properties.
• To utilize a novel hyperbranched polymer additive for improved nanofiber formation and filtration performance.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of 2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride terminated hyperbranched polymer (HBP-HTC).
• Incorporation of HBP-HTC into PVDF for electrospinning to create branched nanofibers.
• Characterization of membrane structure, mechanical properties, filtration efficiency, and antibacterial activity.

Main Results:

• Achieved a hierarchical PVDF nanofibrous membrane with over 90% branched nanofiber coverage.
• Demonstrated high filtration efficiency (99.995% for 0.26 µm NaCl particles) and low pressure drop (122.4 Pa).
• Exhibited excellent antibacterial properties with a 99.9% inhibition rate against S. aureus and E. coli.

Conclusions:

• The developed PVDF/HBP-HTC membrane offers a superior combination of high-efficiency filtration and antibacterial protection.
• This approach provides a new strategy for creating advanced personal health protection products.
• The hierarchical structure and quaternary ammonium salt groups are key to the material's performance.