Self-supporting smart air filters based on PZT/PVDF electrospun nanofiber composite membrane

Smart air filters are beneficial to provide highly efficient particle removal, treat multiple contaminants simultaneously and conserve energy during air filtration processes. Herein, a type of self-supporting smart air filter (SSSAF) was fabricated by sandwiching the VOC-responsive PZT/PVDF electrospun membrane with two metal mesh electrodes. Besides the high filtration efficiency for sub-micron particles, the SSSAF showed good responses to pressure drop in the range of 0 to 500 Pa via the electroactivity of PZT/PVDF membrane. In addition, the SSSAF achieved VOC sensing function via the swelling properties of PZT/PVDF membrane in organic vapors, demonstrated by its signal to 50 to 200 ppm ethanol vapors. The SSSAF was employed to harvest wind energy, which was further applied to inhibit bacterial growth without the need of additional power input. Our SSSAF was designed to take advantage of the energy carried by the filtration air flow, which is necessary in any filtration system thus brings a stable and innate energy source. The results provide new insight into development of all-in-one smart air filters.