Dual-function polyimide/COF-316 aerogels for the simultaneous filtration of submicron particulates and adsorption of iodine vapor

To meet the dual requirements of particulate and iodine vapor removal in iodine-containing aerosol purification during nuclear fuel reprocessing, a series of PI/COF-316 composite nanofiber aerogels were fabricated via an electrospinning-freeze-drying approach. The thermally imidized PAA nanofibers formed a three-dimensional (3D) porous skeleton, while the uniformly dispersed COF-316 particles provided abundant active sites. PI/COF-25 wt% NFAs achieved the best overall performance, delivering 98.12% filtration efficiency for PM 0.3 with a pressure drop of 140 Pa and an iodine vapor adsorption capacity of 361.36 mg/g. The adsorbed iodine was effectively desorbed using ethanol, and 83.09% of the initial capacity was retained after five adsorption-desorption cycles. These results demonstrate that PI/COF composite NFAs provide a robust platform for iodine-containing aerosol purification. Environmental implication This polyimide/COF-316 nanofiber aerogel enables simultaneous purification of submicron particulates and iodine vapor (a hazardous nuclear-related pollutant) in aerosols. Its recyclability reduces material waste, offering a sustainable, efficient solution for hazardous iodine-containing aerosol control to mitigate environmental and health risks.