Organic Semiconductor-Mediated Electrospinning: Bimodal Micro-Nano Fiber Membranes with Precise Diameter Control for
Wenjing Zhang1, Jiaheng Wang1, Jiwei Li1
1Shandong Key Laboratory of Medical and Health Textile Materials, Laboratory for Manufacturing Low Carbon and Functionalized Textiles in the Universities of Shandong Province, College of Textiles & Clothing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
Small Methods
|February 5, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed advanced air filters using electrospinning and an organic semiconductor (PDINN) to control fiber size. The resulting PLA-PDINN@PLA membranes offer high-efficiency particle filtration, antibacterial properties, and odor removal.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Electrospinning is a key method for creating air filtration materials.
- Challenges exist in controlling fiber diameter, balancing filtration efficiency with pressure drop, and achieving multifunctional purification.
- Organic semiconductor materials offer potential for modulating nanofiber properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize an organic semiconductor, PDINN, to precisely control fiber diameters in PLA nanofiber membranes via electrospinning.
- To fabricate a bimodal micro-nanofiber membrane (PLA-PDINN@PLA) for enhanced air filtration.
- To evaluate the filtration efficiency, pressure drop, antibacterial activity, and deodorization capabilities of the developed membrane.
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and PDINN@PLA blends to create nanofiber membranes.
- Fabrication of a bimodal micro-nanofiber membrane (PLA-PDINN@PLA) with gradient fiber diameter distribution.
- Characterization of filtration performance for PM0.3 particles, antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus and E. coli, and deodorization of ammonia and acetic acid.
Main Results:
- PDINN addition reduced PLA fiber diameters from 2 µm to 500 nm, enabling precise diameter control.
- The PLA-PDINN@PLA membrane achieved >99.5% filtration efficiency for PM0.3 with a low pressure drop.
- The membrane exhibited 99.99% inhibition rates against S. aureus and E. coli, and high deodorization efficiencies for ammonia (99.99%) and acetic acid (82%).
Conclusions:
- This study presents an innovative strategy for simultaneous control of fiber diameters and functionalization of fibrous membranes.
- The developed PLA-PDINN@PLA membrane demonstrates superior multifunctional air purification capabilities.
- This approach offers a promising pathway for creating highly efficient, next-generation nanofiber-based air filters.
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