Development of biodegradable nanofiber filters based on surface-modified cellulose nanofibers with graphene oxide for high removal of airborne particulate matter

Abstract

Airborne particulate matter is a pressing environmental and public health concern globally. This study aimed to develop sustainable filtration materials from cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) modified with graphene oxide (GO) to capture fine particulates from air effectively. CNFs were extracted from α-cellulose via mechanical grinding and modified with 0.5–1.5 wt% GO solution by ultrasonication to produce CNF-GO nanocomposites. These were freeze-dried into highly porous, lightweight aerogels for air filtration applications. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed GO incorporation through hydroxyl group interactions. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed a porous 3D network with reduced porosity after GO addition due to pore blocking. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the cellulose I crystal structure was retained after modification. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) measurements indicated increased density but decreased surface area and pore volume with GO loading. The thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated improved thermal stability with GO incorporation due to oxidative reactions and a barrier effect. The particulate absorption efficiency markedly increased from 86.37 % to 99.98 % for CNFs modified with 1.5 wt% GO due to the high surface area, surface oxygen functionalities, and nanoplatelet morphology of GO. The nanofiber filters with 1.5 wt% GO exhibited a maximum absorption efficiency of 99.98 % and a quality factor of 0.0912 Pa−1. Although GO reduced biodegradability, substantial degradation occurred under soil conditions. Overall, the sustainable, high-efficiency CNF-GO air filters developed in this work demonstrate immense promise for controlling air pollution and protecting human health.