Biomimetic dual-network nanofibrous aerogels with robust interfacial assembly for multifunctional air filtration.

Abstract

Air pollution in livestock farms involves particulate matter (PM), ammonia (NH3), and airborne microorganisms, creating a need for filtration materials with high efficiency, humidity resistance, multifunctionality, and environmental sustainability. Herein, a biomimetic Zein/Curcumin (Cur) nanofiber-down fiber (DF) aerogel (ZCND) was developed through humidity-induced electrospinning and freeze-drying, inspired by the dual-network architecture of natural sponges. Grooved Zein/Cur nanofibers served as a flagella-like interception network, while DFs acted as a spicule-like reinforcing scaffold, forming a lightweight, highly porous, and mechanically resilient structure. The optimized ZCND aerogel exhibited high filtration efficiencies of 99.51%, 99.74%, and 99.93% for PM1, PM2.5, and PM10, respectively, with a low pressure drop of 27.39 Pa and a high dust-holding capacity of 335.85 g m-2. Owing to its improved wetting resistance and stable dual-network structure, the aerogel maintained excellent filtration performance under high humidity, retaining 98.67% PM1 filtration efficiency after 12 h at 90% relative humidity. In addition, the ZCND aerogel exhibited a high NH3 adsorption capacity of 104.95 cm3 g-1, visual NH3 sensing behavior, and high antibacterial activity. Soil-burial tests further confirmed its favorable biodegradability compared with commercial filters. This work provides a sustainable and multifunctional strategy for developing humidity-resistant air filtration materials for complex livestock production environments.