Rational design of bacterial cellulose-based air filter with antibacterial activity for highly efficient particulate matters removal

Multifunctional air filters with efficient particulate matters (PMs) removal, low respiratory resistance and prevention harmful substances are highly demanded. Bacterial cellulose (BC) air filter can capture PMs and separate them from the airflow; however, the dense network structure sacrifices the air permeability. Herein, we incorporated silver nanowires (AgNW) to BC filter through in-situ cultivation method to prepare a new air filter. The addition of AgNW endows BC filter with antibacterial activity and increases the porosity and air permeability. Surprisingly, AgNW incorporation achieves high-efficiency filtration through electrostatic adsorption. The filtration efficiency of the BC/AgNW composite filter paper for PM2.5 and PM10 is as high as 99.7% and 99.8%, respectively, that are on par with commonly used 3 M masks on the market. The pressure drop is 123 Pa, which can meet market demand with satisfaction. In addition, the tailor-made BC/AgNW owns efficient antibacterial potency to keep the human body from infecting germs and other interferences. Overall, this work indicated that the versatile composite air filter paper is promising for various applications in the environmental field and the critical need for human health.