Abstract: Particulate matter pollution has caused approximately 99% of the global population to be exposed to air pollution levels exceeding recommended limits, highlighting the urgent need for high-efficiency air filtration materials. Nonwoven materials have become one of the most important filtration media in air filtration owing to their three-dimensional porous structure, high porosity, large specific surface area, tunable fiber architecture, and versatile fabrication processes. This paper reviews the filtration mechanisms and fabrication technologies of nonwoven air filtration materials, as well as performance enhancement strategies such as electret treatment and structural optimization. In addition, domestic and international performance evaluation standards and systems for air filtration materials are summarized. Finally, future development trends toward green and biodegradable materials, high-efficiency and low-resistance filtration, multifunctional integration, and large-scale manufacturing are discussed.

Key words: nonwoven materials; air filtration; meltblown technology; electrospinning; electret; filtration efficiency