Preparation, filtration, and photocatalytic properties of PAN@g-C3N4 fibrous membranes by electrospinning

Particulate matter and formaldehyde (HCHO) in closed indoor environments are seriously harmful to human health; hence, techniques for the improvement of air quality have attracted significant attention. PAN@g-C3N4 fibrous membranes with high efficiency, low resistance, and photocatalytic activity were prepared by electrospinning with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4), followed by the high-temperature polycondensation of melamine. The addition of g-C3N4 to the nanofibrous membrane effectively improved the filtration efficiency of PM2.5. When the amount of added g-C3N4 was 3 wt%, the filtration efficiency of PM2.5 was 99.76 ± 0.3%, the filtration efficiency was stable for 24 hours at a continuous high concentration, and the filtration cycle stability was good. As a photocatalytic material, g-C3N4 causes the photocatalytic degradation of HCHO, and thus, significantly improves the filtration efficiency of the nanofibrous membrane to HCHO. When the amount of added g-C3N4 was 3 wt%, the filtration efficiency of the nanofibrous membrane to HCHO reached 78.0 ± 1.8%. The mechanism of catalytic degradation showed that the PAN fibres first adsorbed and intercepted the HCHO molecules. Under simulated sunlight irradiation, the photogenerated holes generated by the g-C3N4 nanosheets in the fibres oxidised and decomposed the adsorbed HCHO molecules. This study has broad application potential for high-efficiency filters to improve indoor air quality.