Metal–Organic Framework@Graphene Oxide Composite-Incorporated Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibrous Filters for Highly Efficient Particulate Matter Removal and Breath Monitoring

Abstract

Here, a zinc-based metal–organic framework-decorated graphene oxide (MOF@GO) nanocomposite was synthesized and incorporated within a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibrous filter to enhance the particulate matter (PM) removal efficiency. For this purpose, the PAN nanofibrous filters containing different contents of the MOF@GO nanocomposite (PAN/MOF@GO) were fabricated, and their morphology was studied using field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed the formation of uniform and bead-free nanofibers with the MOF@GO wrapping tightly around them. The resultant nanofibrous filters were evaluated for PM removal and possible breath monitoring. The results revealed good mechanical properties with freestanding ability and hydrophobic behavior of the PAN/MOF@GO nanofibrous filters, indicating the possibility of long-term application in high humidity conditions. More importantly, the optimized PAN/MOF@GO nanofibrous filter exhibited a high PM filtration efficiency (95.13%), low pressure drop (15.29 Pa), and superior quality factor (0.198 Pa–1). Moreover, the electrical resistance of the PAN/MOF@GO nanofibrous filter changed with different breathing patterns, indicating the possibility of using the developed nanofibrous filter for human respiration monitoring. This work provides new insights into the fabrication of nanofibrous filters with boosted performance for PM removal by the synergistic effect of GO and MOF particles.