Zr0.05Ti0.95O2-functionalized porous SiO2/glass fiber composite filter-papers for efficient PM2.5 capture and photocatalytic toluene degradation

Abstract

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are major indoor air pollutants, calling for purification materials that can simultaneously filter PM_2.5 and remove VOCs. In this work, Zr_xTi_1−xO₂-functionalized porous SiO₂/glass fiber composite filter-papers (Zr_xTi_1−xO₂/S/G) were fabricated through a facile slurry roll-pressing process using methyl-modified SiO₂ microspheres, glass fibers and Zr_xTi_1−xO₂ aerogels. By tuning the glass fiber content, the filter-paper prepared with glass fibers achieved an optimized porous architecture (with an average pore size of 1.22 µm) and enhanced mechanical robustness (with a tensile strength of 34 MPa). Using this optimized substrate, the photocatalyst composition was further adjusted by immobilizing Zr_xTi_1−xO₂ aerogels, and the optimal sample (Zr_0.05Ti_0.95O₂/S/G-2) achieved a toluene conversion of 72% under UV irradiation. The activity remained stable over six consecutive cycles, while the PM_2.5 filtration efficiency was maintained at 94.32%. This straightforward and scalable approach offers a useful reference for developing integrated “filtration + photocatalysis” composite filter materials for the purification of air containing mixed PM_2.5 and VOCs.