Hierarchically heterogeneous interface structuring strategy for microenvironment-regulating and self-decontaminating biodegradable meta-membranes

Shao-Zhen Wang; Xinjian He; Xing-Hua Wei; Guiying Zhu; Jia-Lian Gao; Zhuang Huang; Yue Zhao; Xiao-Peng Li; Jiefeng Gao; Huan Xu

doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72873-z

Hierarchically heterogeneous interface structuring strategy for microenvironment-regulating and self-decontaminating biodegradable meta-membranes

Nat Commun. 2026 May 8. doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-72873-z. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Shao-Zhen Wang¹, Xinjian He², Xing-Hua Wei³, Guiying Zhu⁴, Jia-Lian Gao¹, Zhuang Huang⁴, Yue Zhao⁵, Xiao-Peng Li⁵, Jiefeng Gao⁶, Huan Xu⁷

Affiliations

¹ School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China.
² School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China. xinjian.he@cumt.edu.cn.
³ Hangzhou WOQU Technology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, China.
⁴ School of Materials Science and Physics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China.
⁵ State Key Laboratory of Chemistry for NBC Hazards Protection, Beijing, China.
⁶ School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
⁷ School of Materials Science and Physics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China. hihuan@cumt.edu.cn.

PMID: 42103746
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-72873-z

Abstract

Precise functionalization of heterogeneous interfaces in nanofibers is essential for advanced personal protective membranes. Here, we demonstrate a hierarchically heterogeneous interface structuring (HHIS) strategy to fabricate microenvironment-regulating and self-decontaminating meta-membranes (MRSD-PLA) by embedding zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanocrystals within poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibers and anchoring F-TiO₂ nanoblocks on their surfaces, creating an electronegativity contrast that directs electron migration and charge redistribution. ZIF-8 of porosity and electroactivity could enable charge capture/storage and trans-membrane transport (water vapor transmission rate: 4018 g·m⁻²·d⁻¹; air permeability > 60 mm·s⁻¹ at 100 Pa). Combined with the hydrophobicity and self-cleaning capability from F-TiO₂, a sustained charge migration establishes a closed-loop capture-storage-regeneration cycle. This results in self-powered sensitive monitoring and a high PM_0.3 filtration efficiency of 99.3% yet a low pressure drop of 51.9 Pa (quality factor: 0.11 Pa⁻¹). Moreover, MRSD-PLA inhibit bacterial growth and balance robust mechanical strength with biodegradability, showcasing great potential for high-performance personal protection.

Abstract

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