Dr. Qijun Zhang, who completed his doctoral studies at Center for Renewable Carbon under Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, has won the second place of the International Academy of Wood Science (IAWS) PhD Award 2021. Co-advised by Dr. Siqun Wang and Dr. Timothy M. Young, Zhang’s winning dissertation, “Electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol)/cellulose nanocrystals composite nanofibrous filter: investigation of fabrication and application”, developed a cellulose-based air filter which has outstanding performance for fine particles removal.
Nanocellulose derived from renewable resources has attracted great scientific interest because of its biodegradability and unique mechanical properties. In Zhang’s studies, nanocellulose is utilized as natural polymer to improve the filtration performance and endow the reusability of the air filter. By using response surface methodology, the operating parameters for fabricating the air filter were efficiently optimized. The nanofibrous air filter could remove more than 99% of fine particles in air with low air resistance (< 0.1% atmosphere pressure) and has potential to remove virus as well. In addition, the used filter could be easily regenerated via water washing due to the enhanced aqueous stability. Since the entire fabrication process and benign materials are environmentally friendly, and the filter is cost effective, this new cellulose-based product is highly promising for indoor air purification applications. The dissertation work holds significant implications for removing dangerous particulate matter (PM), which is one major air pollutant causes myriad health problems.
Zhang, originally from Guiyang City in Guizhou Province, China, received his bachelor of science from Wuhan University of Technology and his master’s degree from Nanjing University. He is currently working at the Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy Sciences as postdoctoral research associate. His works compose this dissertation are published on ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, Chemical Engineering Journal and Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications, and the UT Research Foundation has filed a prevision patent application.
The International Academy of Wood Science (IWAS) is a non-profit assembly of wood scientists, recognizing all fields of wood science with their associated technological domains, and securing a worldwide representation. This award carries international honor and is held in high regard by international forest products programs.
