journal article·2026-04

Bioinspired Multi‐Gradient Structure Enables Environment‐Adaptive Personal Respiratory Protection and Moisture Management for Biodegradable Poly(lactic acid) Meta‐Membranes

Xinyu Li, Xinjian He, Cunmin Wang, Jiaqi Li, Xinyi Song, Xiang Li, Yue Zhao, Xiao‐Peng Li, Heguo Li, Xiaolei Wang, Jiefeng Gao, Huan Xu

Advanced Functional Materials· Volume 36· Issue 28
Publisher page

Abstract

Abstract Effective respiratory protection is crucial against airborne PM pollution and modern viral pandemics. However, conventional filters often exhibit poor moisture management, where exhaled vapor condenses within the mask microenvironment, compromising comfort and increasing breathing resistance due to liquid bridging. Herein, inspired by hierarchical porous architecture and amphiphilicity of diatom frustules, a biomimetic multi‐gradient (BMG) strategy is proposed to engender poly(lactic acid) meta‐membranes featuring an exceptional combination of efficient protective performance and superb moisture management. A hierarchical gradient structure comprising macroporous and microporous layers is constructed, mimicking the areola and cribrum structures of diatoms. By incorporating interfacial orientation factors, a progressive transition in wettability from hydrophobic to hydrophilic is achieved for the membranes, reproducing the wax‐silanol‐directed interfacial regulation mechanism of diatoms. Simultaneously, nanodielectrics dispersed by biotemplating effect emulated the metal‐doped biosilica in diatoms to achieve charge confinement, enhancing charge trapping and storage capabilities of the membranes. The bioinspired meta‐membranes demonstrated exceptional PM 0.3 filtration efficiency (96.26%), ultralow airflow resistance (40 Pa, 32 L min −1 ), and superior moisture permeability (WVTR: 223.5 g m −2 h −1 ), effectively facilitating the moisture wicking and long‐term stability under high‐humidity environments. This work offers a biomimetic paradigm for developing next‐generation and eco‐friendly protective materials with sustained comfort and high efficiency.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity · Membrane Separation Technologies · Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Safety Engineering China University of Mining and Technology Xuzhou 221116 China

Jiangsu Engineering Research Center of Dust Control and Occupational Protection Xuzhou 221008 China

School of Materials Science and Physics China University of Mining and Technology Xuzhou 221116 China

State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian Institute of Chemical Defense Beijing 100191 China

China Academy of Safety Science & Technology Beijing 100012 China

School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Yangzhou University Yangzhou 272100 China

Funding

National Key Research and Development Program of China · National Natural Science Foundation of China · Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities

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