We ae honored to have Dr. Qijun Zhang of Chinese Academy of Sciences as our distinguished speaker in the session of Innovative Materials and Technologies for Sustainable Filtration at the upcoming World Filtration Institute 2024 Annual Conference (WFI 2024), December 3–4, 2024, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST.
Dr. Zhang is a distinguished research associate at the Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he focuses on environmental science and pollution control technologies. He obtained his B.S. degree in environmental science from Wuhan University of Technology in 2012, followed by an M.S. degree in environmental chemistry from Nanjing University in 2015. In 2020, he earned his Ph.D. in natural resources from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His research areas include the development of electrospun nanofibrous air filters (especially developing biodegradable filter media and electrostatic charged fibrous media) for the removal of particulate matter, exploring sustainable electrospinning technologies. and design of porous materials for adsorption removal of pollutants.
Date: December 3, 2024
Time: 10:50am - 11:05am EST
Presentation title
Nanofiber Structure Innovation at Different Scales for Improved Air Filter Performance
Abstract
Particulate matter pollution poses a significant health risk to individuals, contributing to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems. In response to this growing concern, nanofibrous air filters have gained considerable attention due to their high surface-to-volume ratio. This unique property increases the contact area between fine particles and nanofibers, leading to enhanced filtration efficiency. However, the widespread application of nanofibrous air filters is often hindered by two key limitations: limited air permeability, caused by the dense filter media, and relatively poor durability, including weaknesses in mechanical strength, dust-holding capacity, and temperature resistance etc.
To address these challenges and comprehensively improve the performance of nanofibrous filters, our strategy focuses on developing advanced fibrous air filters through innovative structural designs. By employing electrospinning technology, we can precisely control the filter’s structure from the macro-scale down to the nano-/molecular-scale. This allows for a synergistic enhancement of both filtration efficiency and durability. Several examples will be provided in this presentation to illustrate the methods used to fabricate these novel micro-nano fibrous air filters.
In brief, by strategically selecting polymers and designing the fiber and composite layer structure, (1) the multilevel structured filter is constructed to optimize the air flow path and filtration efficiency; (2) the fiber surface structure is modified to achieve cleanability and reusability of air filter; (3) the intermolecular structure of fibers is regulated to improve durability of filtering materials.
About WFI 2024:
The World Filtration Institute 2024 Annual Conference (WFI 2024) will be held online, December 3–4, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST. The theme of this conference is "Sustainable Filtration Solutions for a Cleaner and Healthier World." It will be an internationally leading expert conference addressing the latest advances in filtration and separation technologies and their critical roles in healthy living, surrounding environments, and a clean, sustainable world for current and future generations. The virtual conference will feature the following sessions:
1. Sustainable Filtration for A Healthier Indoor Environment
2. Filtration Advances for Emerging Technologies
3. Innovative Materials and Technologies for Sustainable Filtration
4. Circular Economy and Sustainable Water Solutions
5. Regulatory Trends and Standards Updates
6. Artificial Intelligence in Advanced Filtration Solutions
