Antimicrobial hollow fiber polypropylene/ZnO membrane for effective air filtration

Air pollution has become an environmental problem since it poses a serious effect on human health. In addition, circulation of air containing airborne particles including pathogens in an enclosed building like a hospital may lead to more severe health effects. Therefore, an air purifier is needed to prevent the spreading of those particles through air circulation. To address the issue, an antimicrobial membrane was prepared by embedding ZnO nanoparticles onto hollow fiber polypropylene (PP) membrane. Results showed that the prepared PP/ZnO membrane had a high air filtration performance as well as antibacterial properties. The membrane also showed a high filtration capacity or permeability with a relatively low-pressure drop. With those interesting features, the newly developed PP/ZnO membrane can be applied in air filtration, in particular for indoor spaces and other medical applications. (paper)