Nanofiber Mats as High‐Efficiency Filters

Air filtration was among the first applications for electrospun nanofibers. In this chapter, we touch on the basic principles of air filtration and the structure–property relationships that result in airflow resistance and particle collection efficiency. The grand challenge in filtration is efficient removal of particulates for minimal airflow resistance. Nanofibers and properly designed filtration media improve this ratio of efficiency to energy required. An overview of approaches to fiber and media structures and additional functionalization is provided. The chapter concludes with outlook of the role of nanofibers in air filtration.