Electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofiber composites integrated with Al-MOF/mesoporous carbon for superior CO2 capture and VOC removal

Electrospun PAN nanofiber composites with integrated Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and mesoporous
carbon (MPC) offer an efficient solution for CO2 capture and hydrocarbon removal. In this study, we synthesized
a series of NH2-MIL-101(Al)@MPC composites using a solvothermal method and incorporated them into PAN
nanofibers via electrospinning. The composites were characterized by FTIR, XRD, FESEM, XPS, mechanical
properties and TGA, showing enhanced surface area and pore structure. NH2-MIL-101(Al) exhibited a BET
surface area of 933.14 m2/g, crucial for selective absorption. The PAN/MOF@MPC nanofibers demonstrated
improved mechanical properties and achieved a CO2 uptake of 6.35 mmol g􀀀 1 at 298 K and 0.55 bar. Additionally,
the modified nanofibers demonstrated excellent static and dynamic adsorption capacities for volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) like acetone and benzene. This study highlights the synergistic effects of combining
MOFs and MPCs within electrospun nanofibers, resulting in materials with enhanced adsorption efficiency and
mechanical stability. The work presents a novel approach by integrating MOF@MPCs into electrospun PAN
nanofibers, significantly enhancing CO2 capture and VOC removal. This innovative combination not only improves
the adsorption performance but also advances the mechanical properties of the nanofibers, showcasing a
new strategy for developing high-performance materials for environmental remediation. The results offer strong
potential for real-world applications in air purification and carbon sequestration.