Extended Data Fig. 4: The SEM images of the filtrated DPM after backwashing.
From: Continuous air purification by aqueous interface filtration and absorption
a. DPM in oxidation state without liquid-lining; b. DPM from ELBS in oxidation state with liquid-lining; c. DPM in reduction state without liquid-lining; d. DPM from ELBS in reduction state with liquid-lining; Scale bar, 100 μm. After the backwashing, we can find that few particles exist on the liquid-lined matrix while many particles exist on the matrix without liquid, which demonstrate that the liquid-lining improves the anti-fouling property of the matrix. In addition, we can use the functional liquid to regulate the wettability of the matrix, which will influence the affinity among the contaminant, functional liquid, and matrix and further prevent particle accumulation. The surface of the matrix with liquid-lining in reduction state was cleaner than that in oxidation state, because of the stronger affinity between the lined liquid and the reduction state matrix. Therefore, we can apply different potentials to change the wettability of the matrix to reduce the affinity to further prevent particles accumulation. In addition, once the regulation is completed, the redox state of the liquid-based matrix can be maintained all the time without continuous power input.
