1. Department of Chemistry & Center for Nano and Micro Mechanics,Tsinghua University,Beijing 100084,China;2. Department of Engineering Mechanics & Center for Nano and Micro Mechanics,Tsinghua University,Beijing 100084,China;3. Department of Building Science,Tsinghua University,Beijing 100084,China;4. Department of Engineering Mechanics & Center for Nano and Micro Mechanics,Tsinghua University,Beijing 100084,China;Department of Building Science,Tsinghua University,Beijing 100084,China
Abstract:
Silk is a widely available, edible, biocompatible, and environmentally sustainable natural material. Particulate matter (PM) pollution has drawn considerable attention because it is a serious threat to public health. Herein, we report a human-friendly silk nanofiber air filter, which exhibits superior filtration efficiency for both PM2.5 and submicron particles with obviously low pressure drop and low basis weight compared to typical commercial microfiber air filters. Additionally, other functions such as antibacterial activity could be easily integrated into the silk nanofiber air filters, enabling the fabrication of multifunctional air filters. All the above characteristics, combined with the natural abundance and biocompatibility of silk, suggest a great potential for the use of silk nanofibers as air filters, especially as comfortable and personal air purifiers.
