Removal of Size-Dependent Submicron Particles Using Metal–Organic Framework-Based Nanofiber Air Filters

Particulate matter poses a serious threat to human health. In particular, exposure to submicron particles can result in more severe health effects as they can deposit more deeply into human tissues. Metal-organic framework (MOF)-based nanofiber filters are regarded as promising candidates for efficient particle control. In this study, ZIF-8@PAN nanofiber filters that were developed via an in situ growth strategy were selected for the filtration of submicron particles. The addition of ZIF-8 more effectively enhanced the filtration of particles with smaller sizes. For the most penetrating particle size of around 0.3 μm, the MOF-based nanofiber filter exhibited an 8.9% increase in filtration efficiency compared with that of the pure nanofiber filter. Meanwhile, for particles with large aerodynamic diameters (in the range of 0.7-1 μm, for example), the role of ZIF-8 was negligible. This work provides important insights into the filtration performance of MOF-based nanofiber filters in capturing submicron particles and may aid in designing nanofiber filters for efficient control of particles.