An electrostatically spun cellulose-based self-powered mask with high efficiency air filtration and ammonia sensing

Abstract

On construction sites impacted by particulate matter and hazardous gases, portable integrated air filtration equipment with high efficiency, minimal pressure drops and ammonia (NH₃) alarms is critical. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) present a sustainable solution by generating self-powered electricity to fulfill these requirements. In this study, we synthesized zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) in situ on the surface of titanium carbide (Ti₃C₂T_x) to create Ti₃C₂T_x/ZIF-8, grafted it onto cellulose diacetate via tetraethyl orthosilicate, and ultimately developed a cellulose-based nanofibrous membrane through electrospinning, combining it with a negative triboelectric material to construct a self-powered TENG-based mask. The device achieved a balance between a low pressure drop (61 Pa) and high filtration efficiency (99.21 %, 99.71 %, and 99.98 % for PM_0.3, PM_0.5, and PM₁, respectively). Furthermore, the device responds swiftly to NH₃; at a concentration of 100 ppm NH₃, it achieves a rapid response rate of 83 %, with a response/recovery time as low as 12/14 s. Notably, the device retains its rapid sterilization capability within a short duration (20 min) and demonstrates remarkable stability across its various performance metrics, even after multiple washes. This study presents a novel approach to the development of multi-use, self-powered wearable devices featuring excellent air filtration performance and NH₃ detection capabilities.