Self-charging electrostatic face masks leveraging triboelectrification for prolonged air filtration

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35521-w
• Publication Date: 2022-12-20T17:03:23Z
• Authors: Zehua Peng; Jihong Shi; Xiao Xiao; Ying Hong; Xuemu Li; Weiwei Zhang; Yongliang Cheng; Zuankai Wang; Wen Jung Li; Jun Chen; Michael K. H. Leung; Zhengbao Yang
• Keywords: Filtration (mathematics); Air purifier; Air filter; Electrostatics; Air filtration; Electric charge

Electrostatic adsorption is an important complement to the mechanical filtration for high-efficiency air filtering. However, electrostatic charge decays with time, especially in humid conditions. In this work, a self-charging filter presented capture airborne particles efficient and long-lasting manner without need of external power sources. Leveraging triboelectric effect between electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofiber film nylon fabric, filter-based mask excited by breathing can continuously replenish charges. As result, its effective lifespan up 60 hours (including 30 wearing), minimum efficiency 95.8% 0.3-μm particles. The are significantly higher than those commercial surgical mask. Furthermore, we uncover quantitative relation surface potential. This work provides strategy prolong efficacy high-performance air-filtering masks.