Hybrid Cellulose‐Based Systems for Triboelectrification in Aerosol Filtration, Ammonia Abatement and Respiration Monitoring
Zhaodong Ding, Zhongjian Tian, Xingxiang Ji, Guihua Yang, Mhatre Sameer, Yi Lu, Orlando J. Rojas
Abstract
Abstract The dissipation of charges by aging or under the effect of humid conditions considerably impedes a broader utilization of electrostatic fields in aerosol filtration. This study introduces a respiration‐driven air filter (RAF) that continuously generates triboelectric charges within a pair of tribolayers, which facilitates a sustained filtration performance. Such system is integrated in a multilayer unit that is inserted in personal protective equipment (RAFM) to efficiently capture, sense, and degrade airborne pollutants with no need for external power sources. The triboelectric nanogenerator‐based RAF continuously replenishes static charges and maintains an electrostatic field through breathing by the effect of contact‐electrification between two cellulose‐based tribolayers: a cellulose/metal organic framework cryogel (electron donor) and a cellulose–based electrospun membrane (electron acceptor). Notably, the triboelectric field of the RAF's tribolayer pair substantially enhances both the filtration efficiency (up to 93.8% for 0.3 µm particulate matter) and sensing/catalytic degradation (ammonia; degradation >20%). When integrated in a circuit module, the RAFM effectively monitors respiration dynamics, acting as a breathing indicator/regulator. Overall, this study adds to the promise of tribogeneration through cellulose‐based materials and its application in exposure‐risk operations.