Photo-crosslinked nanofibrous membranes as advanced low-temperature regenerative desiccant.

The photo-crosslinked polyamide 6 (PA 6)-LiCl nanofibrous membranes (NFMs) with presence of benzophenone (BP) and triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) have been successfully manufactured as novel desiccant materials. The FTIR spectra illustrated the crosslinking of the PA 6. The sorption isotherms suggested that the crosslinked PA 6-LiCl NFMs could sorb 0.7 g g−1 water vapor at 25 °C and 80% relative humidity, which was 3 times than that of the traditional porous desiccants. The novel desiccant membranes were also featured by fast sorption rate and low regeneration temperature such as 50 °C. The cycling tests showed that the sorption capacity of the crosslinked PA 6-LiCl NFMs decreased only about 2% after 100 cycles, which makes the new desiccant materials more applicable in real situations. • Photo-crosslinked PA6-LiCl nanofibrous membranes were successfully manufactured. • Sorption capacity of the novel desiccant membranes could reach more than 0.7 g g−1 at 25 °C/80% RH. • Novel desiccant membranes can be regenerated sufficiently under low temperatures between 40 °C and 60 °C. • The novel desiccant membranes are featured by fast sorption and desorption rate due to their nano-structure. • Photo-crosslinked PA 6-LiCl nanofibrous membranes have improved cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]