PAN/CA-based electrospun membranes for air filtration and active microorganism degradation

Designed to efficiently remove particulates and degrade microorganisms, active filtration membranes enhance filtration efficiency while minimizing pressure drop and maintaining airflow. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened demand for high-efficiency facemasks, driving the pursuit of new materials with enhanced filtration, multifunctionality, and biodegradability. Among fabrication methods, electrospinning stands out as a versatile and cost-effective technique for producing fibrous membranes with high surface-to-volume ratio, porosity, and tuneable properties. Herein, we report the development of electrospun membranes for active filtration functionalized with titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles (NPs) to be used as intermediate layers for facemasks. This research investigates the use of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and cellulose acetate (CA) for fibrous membrane fabrication, combining PAN’s chemical stability and CA’s biocompatibility. TiO 2 NPs were synthesized and characterized to functionalize the produced membranes by electrospraying, after the confirmation of the antibacterial activity of the NPs. The functionalized membranes were characterized through morphological, chemical, thermal, and mechanical analyses. Besides, the porosity and filtration efficiency of the functionalized membranes were also evaluated. PAN/CA/TiO 2 NPs membranes showed filtration efficiencies above 80% for 1 μm particles, showcasing their effectiveness in particulate removal. Facemask prototypes were fabricated by integrating the PAN/CA/TiO 2 NPs membranes between two layers of cotton woven fabric. The prototypes were tested for air permeability and thermal comfort, showing significant potential for practical applications. • Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and cellulose acetate (CA) were combined to develop an electrospun membrane. • Electrospraying was used to functionalize the membrane with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs). • PAN/CA/TiO 2 NPs membranes showed filtration efficiency above 80% for 1 μm particles. • Facemask prototypes were developed using cotton and PAN/CA/TiO 2 NPs layers. • Air permeability and thermal imaging endorsed the comfort properties of the prototypes.