Reusable and thermostable multiwalled carbon nanotubes membrane for efficient removal of benz[alpha]anthracene from cigarette smoke

Poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as benz[alpha]anthracene (BaA), are often released from cigarette smoke and pose a severe threat to public health. In this quest, several filtration techniques have been proposed for the elimination of these toxins, but the challenges remain the same in terms of low efficiency, high cost and complex manufacturing processes. Herein, we report a simple, cost-effective and reusable multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) membrane-based filter for enhanced removal (similar to 90%) of BaA from cigarette smoke. In terms of the excellent thermal stability of the MWCNTs 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.