Improved filter media with PVA/citric acid/Triton X-100 nanofibers for filtration of nanoparticles from air

Poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers for air filtration were produced by electrospinning using citric acid and different concentrations of Triton X-100 surfactant that enhances nanofibers production by electrospinning. Filtration tests with nanoparticles (5.94–224.7 nm) and tests of resistance to wet air streams were performed and it was found that there was an optimum concentration of surfactant that provided the highest quality factors for nanofiltration. The median fiber size, filter porosity, thickness of the filter medium, and the Darcian permeability constant were strongly dependent on the concentration of Triton X-100 in the polymer solution. The filters were resistant to humidity, with a maximum 4.1% change of the pressure drop after 60 min exposure to an air stream at 90% relative humidity.