Networks: Supramolecular Nanofiber Webs in Nonwoven Scaffolds as Potential Filter Media (Small 12/2013)

Typically, polymer micro- and nanofibers are prepared by top-down approaches such as meltblowing or electrospinning. In contrast, H.-W. Schmidt and co-workers demonstrate on page 2053 a bottom-up approach via the self-assembly of small molecules to supramolecular nanofibers. This approach can form supramolecular nanofiber webs within a scaffold in situ. The remarkable intrinsic stability of the supramolecular nanofibers in combination with their good adhesion on the polymer scaffold result in microfiber/nanofiber composites, which are stable under typical air filtration conditions.