Ultra-thin electro-spun PAN nanofiber membrane for high-efficient inhalable PM_2.5 particles filtration

In this work, we introduce a synthesis method for a nanofiber membrane made of polyacrylonitrile and verify its filtration efficiency with micron-size particles. The polyacrylonitrile nanofiber membrane was produced by electro-spun technique with a thickness less than 0.2 mm. The filtration experimental result from micron-size particle penetration proved that after 60-min deposition, the polyacrylonitrile nanofiber membrane successfully filtrated ∼99% micron-size particles in solution. We found that uniform morphology, consistent nanofiber diameter without disordered beads will lead to a better filtration performance. It also demonstrated a relatively stable chemical properties in acid solution, and this finding will provide a low-cost, environmental-friendly and straightforward filtration approach for future PM_2.5 elimination in an aqueous and harsh environment.