Sustainable biomass-based filter for high-efficiency PM0.3 filtration
Abstract Biomass materials have been widely used in various industries to achieve a carbon-neutral and sustainable society. Here, we show a heterogeneous corn-based precursor strategy that transforms low-value agricultural waste into structural air filters composed of alternating microfibers (2.61 ±...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Nature Communications |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61863-2 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Biomass materials have been widely used in various industries to achieve a carbon-neutral and sustainable society. Here, we show a heterogeneous corn-based precursor strategy that transforms low-value agricultural waste into structural air filters composed of alternating microfibers (2.61 ± 1.11 µm) with grooved surface and nanofibers (0.29 ± 0.18 µm). Utilizing a green solute-solvent system of zein derived from corn and cellulose extracted from corn straw, the process ensures sustainability across raw material sources, fabrication, filtration, and end-of-life degradation. By tailoring relative humidity and incorporating cellulose, an incomplete nonsolvent-induced phase separation is triggered, leading to a corn-based dual-network filter with high filtration performance (>99.99% PM0.3 removal) and low pressure drop (45 Pa). The life cycle assessment demonstrates that the corn-based filter results in lower carbon emissions and environmental impacts than petroleum-based filters. This work provides a promising pathway toward the development of sustainable and disposable filtration materials. |
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| ISSN: | 2041-1723 |