Researchers have developed a spray-on self-renewing coating that boosts particle capture, improves filtration efficiency and nearly doubles air filter lifespan without restricting airflow.
Researchers from Pusan National University and Chung-Ang University have developed a spray-on dynamic imine bond adhesive (DIBA) coating that significantly improves air filter performance by increasing particle retention and almost doubling filter lifespan. Published in Advanced Materials, the technology can be applied to existing commercial filter media using a simple spray-coating process, making it suitable for widespread adoption.
Conventional air filters often rely on weak adhesive forces, allowing trapped particles to detach and re-enter the airflow. This reduces filtration efficiency, accelerates clogging and shortens filter service life. The new DIBA coating addresses these limitations by combining the structural stability of a solid with the particle-capturing properties of a liquid.
The coating is produced by crosslinking polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using dynamic Schiff base chemistry. Once applied, captured particles gradually sink into the adhesive layer, continuously exposing fresh sticky surfaces. This self-renewing mechanism maintains strong particle capture without increasing airflow resistance.
Laboratory testing showed that the coating increased particle adhesion by nearly 70 times compared with untreated filters. Filtration efficiency improved by 10–30% across multiple commercial filter materials while maintaining a low pressure drop. The enhanced performance also upgraded filters from MERV 6 to MERV 11 and extended operational lifespan by almost a factor of two through delayed pore clogging. The coated filters continued to perform effectively under airflow speeds of up to 20 metres per second.
Because the coating can be integrated into existing filtration systems without redesigning equipment, it could benefit HVAC installations, home air purifiers, industrial dust collectors, cleanrooms, automotive cabin filters and personal protective equipment. Researchers also believe the underlying adhesive technology could be adapted for water purification, environmental remediation and advanced particle-handling applications, providing a practical route to cleaner air and more sustainable filtration systems.
