Electrospun nanofibers for high-performance air filtration

Abstract The development of air filtration materials (AFMs) has drawn increasing research interest due to the fact that air pollution is posing an enormous threat to human health on a global scale. However, the fabrication of AFMs with both high filtration efficiency and low pressure drop remains a challenge. Owing to the advantages of small fiber diameter, tunable porous structure, and substantial charges in situ injected, electrospun nanofibers have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for AFMs. In this review, universal strategies for preparing high-performance electrospun AFMs (EAFMs) are concluded, involving the construction of structures and the enhancement of electrostatic effect. For the structures, not only the two-dimensional membranes that composed of smooth fibers and hierarchically structured fibers but also the recently developed three-dimensional nanofibrous aerogels are comprehensively summarized. As to the electrostatic effect, two primary techniques for fabricating charged EAFMs are discussed. This review finally concludes with challenges and perspectives, aiming to provide practical guidance for the further development of EAFMs.