Air filtration media having metal nanoparticle agglomerates adhered thereto, formation thereof and use thereof

A method for producing an air filtration medium exhibiting biocidal activity, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing an air filtration medium comprising a plurality of fibers;
• providing a sprayable formulation, wherein the sprayable formulation comprises a plurality of metal nanoparticle agglomerates and an additive for producing reactive oxygen species dispersed in an organic matrix comprising one or more organic solvents, the plurality of metal nanoparticle agglomerates comprising a plurality of metal nanoparticles having a surfactant coating thereon when applied to the plurality of fibers;
• and
• spraying the sprayable formulation comprising the plurality of metal nanoparticles and the additive for producing reactive oxygen species onto the air filtration medium to adhere the plurality of metal nanoparticle agglomerates to the plurality of fibers;
• wherein the plurality of metal nanoparticle agglomerates comprise a plurality of fused, partially fused, and/or unfused metal nanoparticles that are associated with one another upon a surface of the plurality of fibers.