Electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofiber composites integrated with Al-MOF/mesoporous carbon for superior CO2 capture and VOC removal

Electrospun PAN nanofiber composites with integrated Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and mesoporous carbon (MPC) offer an efficient solution for CO₂ capture and hydrocarbon removal. In this study, we synthesized a series of NH₂-MIL-101(Al)@MPC composites using a solvothermal method and incorporated them into PAN nanofibers via electrospinning. The composites were characterized by FTIR, XRD, FESEM, XPS, mechanical properties and TGA, showing enhanced surface area and pore structure. NH2-MIL-101(Al) exhibited a BET surface area of 933.14 m²/g, crucial for selective absorption. The PAN/MOF@MPC nanofibers demonstrated improved mechanical properties and achieved a CO₂ uptake of 6.35 mmol g⁻¹ at 298 K and 0.55 bar. Additionally, the modified nanofibers demonstrated excellent static and dynamic adsorption capacities for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like acetone and benzene. This study highlights the synergistic effects of combining MOFs and MPCs within electrospun nanofibers, resulting in materials with enhanced adsorption efficiency and mechanical stability. The work presents a novel approach by integrating MOF@MPCs into electrospun PAN nanofibers, significantly enhancing CO2 capture and VOC removal. This innovative combination not only improves the adsorption performance but also advances the mechanical properties of the nanofibers, showcasing a new strategy for developing high-performance materials for environmental remediation. The results offer strong potential for real-world applications in air purification and carbon sequestration.