Hydrophobic nanostructured bioaerogel filters for efficient particulate matter removal

Mustafa Saleh, Wafa and Bashir Yahya, Esam and Idayu Ahmad, Mardiana and H. P. S., Abdul Khalil (2025) Hydrophobic nanostructured bioaerogel filters for efficient particulate matter removal. EXPRESS POLYMER LETTERS, 19 (5). pp. 457-469. ISSN 1788-618X

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Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) has been always a significant environmental and public health concern due to its adverse effects on air quality and respiratory health. This study evaluates the efficiency of hydrophobic nanostructured bioaerogels as PM filters under both normal and high-humidity conditions. Bioaerogels were prepared using nanocellulose and chitosan and modified with varying concentrations of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEMS). At normal humidity, the 3% TEMS-modified bioaerogel demonstrated the highest average PM removal efficiency of 91.6%, attributed to its optimized balance of hydrophobicity, porosity, and mechanical strength. Under high-humidity conditions, the unmodified 0% TEMS bioaerogel exhibited a significant decline in performance due to water absorption, reducing its efficiency by over 15% after prolonged exposure. Conversely, the hydrophobic 3% TEMS bioaerogel maintained its efficiency at 91.4%, highlighting its ability to resist water-induced degradation. This study provide valuable insights into the design of bioaerogel-based filters for realworld applications where variable humidity poses a challenge.

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