Maximizing aerosol filtration via acoustics

The removal of airborne particulate matter (PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM_0.1) is of huge importance to improving air quality, which has direct impact on human health and industrial processes that require clean environments. To achieve this, fibrous air filters have been widely used to remove PM but is often associated with high energy consumption as particles quickly clog the windward pores. This increases airflow resistance and requires frequent replacements that underutilizes filter materials. Here, Acoustics-Enhanced Aerosol Filtration (AEAF) technology, leveraging sound-induced fiber vibration, redistributes particles across filter surfaces and interiors to address these issues. By consuming minimal energy for sound generation, AEAF achieves significant energy savings in air delivery systems to overcome pressure drop and further reduces solid waste from the filters. Experimental results show a 3.5-fold increase in particle capture efficiency alongside a pressure drop that is 4.7 times lower. The estimated lifespan of filters can be extended by 2.4 times, potentially saving up to 58 % of filter materials. This low-cost technology can be extensively applied to air filtration systems that incorporates fibrous filters to significantly improve air quality.