High performance anti‐smog window screens via electrospun nanofibers

ABSTRACT Scientific studies clearly link air pollution with adverse effects on human health, which includes reduction of cognitive abilities. Hence quality indoor air is essential in rapidly urbanizing societies. The aim of this research work is to develop anti‐smog, air permeable, water‐proof, and transparent window screens suitable for natural ventilation. For this purpose, we bonded polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanofibers on PET grids by electrospinning method with relative near spinning distance. During the process, the incomplete solvent evaporation of the collected jet could enhance the bonding of the PET nanofibers to the PET grids. The experimental results showed that the PET nanofibers had a thick deposition at the yarn edge of the PET grids, which also increased the bonding area between the PET nanofibers and the grids. At the same time, PET nanofibers had a thin deposition between the gaps of the PET grids, which not only increased the number of micron‐nano‐sized holes but also increased the light transmittance of the window screen. After filtration test for 5 h, the PM2.5 filtration efficiency of this anti‐smog window screen was high as to 87% and the PET nanofiber window screen still maintained high light transmittance and superhydrophobicity. This research work is a promising way to prepare anti‐smog window screens. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 137 , 48657.