Synergistic Geometric and Interfacial Regulation of Silane-Modified Biomass Aerogels for Sustainable, Low-Resistance...

Particulate matter pollution poses a threat to public health, necessitating the development of high-efficiency, sustainable air filters. Bacterial cellulose (BC) aerogels are promising candidates; however, achieving high filtration efficiency can increase air resistance. We present a surface functionalization-guided strategy for the precise tuning of aerogel surface groups to alter particle capture behavior and improve filtration performance. Using γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550) as a model silane precursor, we demonstrated enhanced electrostatic adsorption and the formation of dendritic deposition patterns that improved the capture of inhalable particulate matter (PM_2.5). The BC-KH550 aerogels exhibited outstanding filtration efficiency (>99%) while maintaining robust mechanical properties and stability under humid conditions. Theoretical simulations revealed that the enhanced electrostatic interactions following surface modification significantly influenced filtration performance, revealing a synergistic effect between surface functional groups and PM. This advanced the fundamental understanding of the structure-function relationship of modified BC aerogels and provided a blueprint for designing next-generation sustainable air filters with tunable surfaces.