Bamboo pulp-based electret fiber aerogel with enhanced electret performance by P-phenylenediamine modification for simulated radioactive aerosol purification in confined spaces

Radioactive aerosols in confined spaces of workplaces are the main source of internal radiation hazards for staff. Therefore, biomass-based electret fiber materials as alternatives of petroleum-based polymers will be of great potential in capturing radioactive aerosols due to its biodegradability, renewability and electrostatic effects. Herein, a fabrication strategy of bamboo pulp-based electret fiber aerogels by corona polarization is reported grounded on p-phenylenediamine (PPD)-modified bamboo pulp fibers (BCFs) and ethyl cellulose (EC). The morphology, chemical structure, and physical properties of BCFs before and after modification, as well as the electret properties and purification performance of fiber aerogel were analyzed. The results showed that PPD can be grafted uniformly on the surface of BCFs, making the fibers transform from irregular cylindrical shape with hierarchical surface to regular cylindrical shape with smooth surface, and can improve the surface potential of the fibers, one of the considerably great electret properties, from 0.00 kV to 1.33 kV when the graft amount of PPD was 0.500 g/g. The improvement in surface potential, leading by the grafted PPD structure which is a charge-trapping site confirmed by stoichiometric calculations, enhance the electrostatic trapping effect of the fibers on radioactive aerosol particles and shorten the purification time from 26 min to 15 min. Moreover, the electret fiber aerogel with modified BCFs (named as PPD-DABCFs) has a low air resistance of 56 Pa at the flow speed of 5.3 cm·s -1 , a light base weight of 62.7 g·m -2 and a long service life. Therefore, the bamboo pulp-based electret fiber aerogel has a promising application in the field of radioactive aerogel purification. • BCFs-based electret instead of petroleum polymer electret can alleviate energy crisis and increase its environmental friendliness. • The electret fabrication base on biomass materials is a sustainable development strategy. • The electret fiber aerogel has an excellent charge storage ability, light base weight and low resistance. • The electret fiber aerogel with 3D pore structure can be stable for long term use.