Fabrication and evaluation of electrospun polyacrylonitrile/silver nanofiber membranes for air filtration and antibacterial activity

Particulate matter and airborne microorganisms are two of the most severe indoor air problems due to their significant risks to human health. Comprehensive research on air filtration with good filtration performance for fine particles and antibacterial function is essential. In this study, after some experimentations and optimization of conditions, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) 10–1% silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) membranes with suitable morphology and uniform diameter distribution are fabricated by an electrospinning method. These electrospun mats exhibited antibacterial activity toward Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria). With its small pore size, high porosity, the high specific surface area of 42 m(2)/g, and robust mechanical strength of 7.14 MPa properties, the resultant PAN10%-1%Ag membranes exhibit high filtration efficiency of 99.27%, the low pressure drop of 33 Pa, and higher quality factor compared to the two standard commercial masks including, the three-ply surgical mask and the respirator face mask. After 24 h of the filtration process in a simulated living environment, the obtained air filter still displayed a high filtration efficiency and a less pressure drop variation. In addition, the R(2) value was 0.99, which indicates that the calculation results are in good agreement with the measured results. The fabrication of PAN-Ag membranes will have broad applications, including face masks, indoor air filtration and clean room.