Sustainable biomass-based filter for high-efficiency PM_0.3 filtration

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Biomass utilization is key for a sustainable society.
• Agricultural waste presents an underutilized resource for material development.
• Petroleum-based filters contribute to environmental pollution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sustainable, high-performance air filter from corn-based biomass.
• To utilize agricultural waste (corn straw) as a precursor.
• To create an eco-friendly alternative to conventional filters.

Main Methods:

• A heterogeneous precursor strategy using zein and cellulose from corn.
• Tailoring relative humidity and incorporating cellulose to induce phase separation.
• Fabrication of a dual-network structure with microfibers and nanofibers.

Main Results:

• Achieved high filtration efficiency (>99.99% PM0.3 removal).
• Demonstrated a low pressure drop (45 Pa).
• Life cycle assessment showed lower carbon emissions compared to petroleum-based filters.

Conclusions:

• The corn-based filter offers a sustainable and disposable filtration solution.
• This approach transforms agricultural waste into valuable functional materials.
• Provides a promising pathway for green filtration technologies.