Engineering electrospun ZIF-67/PAN nanofiber membranes for high-efficiency PM filtration while maintaining ultra-low pressure drop

The design and fabrication of high-efficiency, cost-effective multifunctional air nanofiber membranes are critically important for addressing the growing challenge of global particulate matter pollution. This study presents a structural optimization strategy based on the incorporation of porous functional nanoparticles to develop high-performance air filtration membranes. By precisely controlling the ZIF-67 loading ratio and spinning time, a hierarchical fiber network with a bimodal diameter distribution was constructed, enabling stable immobilization of the porous nanoparticles within the fibrous matrix. The resulting composite membrane achieved filtration efficiencies of 99.69% for PM 2.5 and 99.72% for PM 10 , with a low pressure drop of only 72 Pa. Its quality factor is 1.8 times higher than that of the pure PAN membranes. The membrane demonstrates excellent air permeability, UV resistance, and long-term stability. It maintains a filtration efficiency above 97.12% at a high flow rate of 50 L/min, with no noticeable performance decline after 30 days of continuous use. This fabrication method offers advantages such as simple operation, controllable processes, and scalability for mass production. The resulting composite membrane effectively balances filtration efficiency and breathability, making it a promising filter material for personal protective equipment and indoor air purification systems.