Pump-inject antimicrobial and biodegradable aerogel as mask intermediate filter layer for medical protection of air filtration. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liang, J.; Wang, Z.; Ye, Q.; Qiao, L.; Jiang, H.; Guo, Y.; Fan, Z.
• Is Part Of: Materials today sustainability. Volume 19(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Intermediate filter layer of the mask -- Air filter -- Antimicrobial agent -- Biodegradability -- Pump-injection filter -- Aerogel network; Materials science -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Sustainable engineering -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtsust.2022.100211
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2589-2347

Abstract

Abstract: Melt-blown fabric masks have the drawbacks of the supply-demand imbalance, the risks of respirable infection, and environmental pollution. Therefore, it is urgently needed to exploit a new mask material with excellent air-filtration, antimicrobial, and degradable properties. In this study, a new sodium alginate (SA)/nanosilver composite mask intermediate filter layer (named as SAg air filter) is prepared by a simple and quantifiable pumping-injecting method to substitute the traditional melt-blown fabric. Subsequently, the prepared SAg air filter is softened with glycerol solution to improve the flexibility. Compared with the intermediate filter layer of the melt-blown fabric mask, the SAg air filter has more excellent performances, such as environmental friendliness, degradability, large-scale preparation, stable and long-lasting air filtration, good impermeability, as well as suitable breathability. What's more, the air filter combines physical and mechanical filtration, Coulomb adsorption of nano-silver, and antimicrobial air purification through the SAg aerogel network to ensure more comprehensive air purification and filtration. The novel SAg air filter will have a broad application prospect in the mask market, and eventually extend the new application of SA aerogel in the air filtration field. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Propose a new strategy to produce a multifunctional mask intermediate filter layer aerogel on a large scale. SAg air filter is biodegradable which reduces the environmental pollution caused by discarded melt-blown cloth masks. Exhibit excellent antimicrobial air purification through the Coulomb force adsorption of nano-silver. Combine mechanical air filtration with anti-microbial purification to achieve comprehensive air purification.