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Antibacterial and flame-retardant TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils/chitosan-based sponge for efficient PM2.5
Yifan Chen1, Shite Lin2, Weisheng Han1
1Bamboo Industry Institute, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
Abstract:
PM2.5, which can carry many bacteria, poses a serious threat to health when inhaled. Therefore, developing porous materials with efficient filtration and antibacterial properties is essential for preventing the invasion of PM2.5 on respiratory health. In this study, we designed a multifunctional sponge filter through the synergistic integration of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TCNF), chitosan (CS), graphene oxide (GO), and lignin hybrid particles. A robust three-dimensional network was constructed via amide cross-linking between TCNF and CS, endowing the sponge with exceptional mechanical stability. GO enhances the PM2.5 interception efficiency through electrostatic adsorption. Additionally, we introduce lignin nanoparticles (LNP) as carriers for growing zinc oxide (ZnO), forming organic-inorganic hybrid particles (LNP@ZnO). This approach minimizes the negative impact of ZnO on the mechanical properties of the sponge while enhancing antibacterial performance. The resulting sponge filter demonstrates high PM2.5 filtration efficiency (99.14 %) with low pressure drop (38 Pa), excellent antibacterial properties against E. coli (92.63 %) and S. aureus (89.05 %), and outstanding flame-retardant properties (LOI value of 27.1 %). This study addresses the limitations of existing systems by minimizing the trade-off between antibacterial performance and mechanical strength, offering a novel approach for the design of advanced air filtration materials.
Insights
This study developed an advanced air filter using cellulose, chitosan, graphene oxide, and lignin hybrid particles. The novel sponge effectively removes fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and combats bacteria, enhancing respiratory health protection.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5) carrying bacteria poses significant health risks.
- Developing efficient air filtration materials with antibacterial properties is crucial for respiratory health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a multifunctional sponge filter integrating TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TCNF), chitosan (CS), graphene oxide (GO), and lignin hybrid particles.
- To achieve high PM2.5 filtration efficiency and robust antibacterial activity while maintaining mechanical stability.
Main Methods:
- Constructed a 3D network using amide cross-linking between TCNF and CS for mechanical stability.
- Incorporated GO for electrostatic adsorption of PM2.5.
- Utilized lignin nanoparticles (LNP) to host zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (LNP@ZnO) for enhanced antibacterial properties with minimal impact on mechanical strength.
Main Results:
- Achieved 99.14% PM2.5 filtration efficiency with a low pressure drop of 38 Pa.
- Demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity against E. coli (92.63%) and S. aureus (89.05%).
- Exhibited outstanding flame-retardant properties with a Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 27.1%.
Conclusions:
- The developed sponge filter effectively addresses the limitations of existing air filters by balancing mechanical strength and antibacterial performance.
- This study presents a novel approach for designing advanced air filtration materials with synergistic properties.
