Advanced ceramic fiber filters: Innovations and efficacy in exhaust gas treatment for enhanced air quality

Air pollution remains a critical environmental and public health challenge, necessitating advanced filtration technologies capable of efficiently removing airborne pollutants. Ceramic fiber filters (CFFs) have emerged as promising solutions due to their exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance, and durability. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of CFFs for air purification, with a focus on their effectiveness in removing particulate matter (PM_2.5, PM₁₀), heavy metal aerosols, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides. Fiber structure, porosity, and coatings influence filtration efficiency, with recent advances in material design and fabrication. A key innovation of this review lies in its emphasis on integrating catalytic materials to achieve simultaneous filtration and pollutant degradation. The role of advanced catalysts, including metal oxides, carbon-based materials, and nanostructured composites, is evaluated in enhancing filtration efficiency and extending filter lifespan. Additionally, hybrid filtration strategies incorporating photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and adsorption are explored as emerging approaches for addressing complex air pollutants. Challenges such as mechanical stability, regeneration limitations, and catalyst deactivation are also discussed, with proposed strategies for optimizing filter performance. By consolidating recent advancements and identifying key research directions, this review offers valuable insights into the future development of high-performance CFFs for sustainable and efficient exhaust gas treatment.