High-Performance and Durable Window-Type Air Filter Based on Embedded PVDF-TrFE Nanofibrous Membrane

Fine inhalable particulate matter (PM_2.5) is a harmful airborne pollutant, with serious repercussions to public health worldwide. To prevent the influx of PM_2.5 into the indoor living and working space, we conceived the design of a "filtration window" that exhibits efficient PM_2.5 filtration capabilities while having sufficient transparency and physical durability. In this work, we demonstrate the successful fabrication of a transparent (∼80%) PM_2.5 filter based on nanofibrous poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE), which captures PM_2.5 by electrostatic mechanisms originating from the ferroelectric property of the copolymer. The embedded PVDF-TrFE-based nanofibrous filter exhibits a notable PM_2.5 removal efficiency of 93%, which is on par with those of medical-grade face masks. Simultaneously, owing to its dense packing, the PVDF-TrFE nanofibrous filter is highly durable, allowing it to be cleaned with water for reuse, and withstands its structural integrity even under a wind flow of 15 m/s, altogether making it practically viable as a functional window unit.