Reusable and Thermostable Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Membrane for Efficient Removal of Benz[α]Anthracene from Cigarette Smoke

Abstract

Poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benz[α]anthracene (BaA) are often released from cigarette smoke, and threat to public health severely. In this quest, several filtration techniques have been proposed for the elimination of these toxins, but the challenges remain same in the terms of low efficiency, high cost and complex manufacturing processes. Herein, we report a simple, cost-effective and reusable multiwalled carbon nanotube membrane-based filter for enhanced removal (∼90%) of BaA from cigarette smoke. In terms of the excellent thermal stability of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes membrane, the adsorbed PAHs could be removed simply by a thermolysis process. We believe that the present study may serve as inspiration for the design and development of high-performance fibrous materials for filtering and separation applications.