Air-Conditioned Masks Using Nanofibrous Networks for Daytime Radiative Cooling.

Abstract

Face masks, as effective measures for passive air pollution control, are of fundamental importance, especially with the outbreak of emerging infectious diseases. Most existing masks are dense or thick, resulting in a lack of thermal/humidity comfort level; despite being worn tightly, they show limited PM0.3/pathogen removal. Here, we use a facile strategy to create air-conditioned masks using heterogeneous nanofibrous networks, based on an electrospinning/netting technique. Manipulation of the phase separation and self-assembly of charged jet/droplets by control of humidity-induced double diffusion and Taylor cone instability allows for the generation of air-conditioned masks consisting of radiative cooling wrinkled nanofibers and 2D nanostructured networks. Our masks show desirable microenvironment with high-efficiency PM0.3 removal (>99.988%), low air resistance (0.07% of atmospheric pressure), and remarkable radiative cooling capacity (∼2.8 °C temperature and ∼10% humidity drop), making high-performance filtration and temperature/humidity management "always online". This work should make possible the development of high-performance, energy-saving, and scalable fiber textiles for various applications.