Nanofiltration filter paper based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes and cellulose filter papers

• Published in: RSC advances Vol. 11; no. 2; pp. 1194 - 1199
• Main Authors: Sun, Wan-hong, Hui, Lan-feng, Yang, Qian, Zhao, Guo-dong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Royal Society of Chemistry 04.01.2021; The Royal Society of Chemistry
• Subjects: Air filters; carbon nanotubes; Cellulose; Cellulose fibers; Chemistry; Diameters; Filter paper; human health; Impregnation; Interception; Mechanical properties; Multi wall carbon nanotubes; Nanofiltration; Optimization; Phenol formaldehyde; Physical properties; Pollutants; surface area; toxicity; Wood fibers
• ISSN: 2046-2069; 2046-2069
• DOI: 10.1039/d0ra08585e

Air filter paper with a high filtration efficiency that can remove small-size pollutant particles and toxic gases is vital for human health and the environment. We report a nanofiltration paper that is based on wood fiber filter paper with good mechanical properties and a three-dimensional network structure. The filter paper was prepared by impregnation with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and phenol-formaldehyde (PF). The results showed that MWCNTs were present on the surfaces of the fibers and between the pores, which increased the specific surface area of the fibers and enhanced the effective interception of the particles. The optimum impregnation concentration of the MWCNT was 0.1%. Compared with the cellulose fibers (CFs), the average pore diameter of the 0.1% MWCNT-CF filter paper was reduced by 8.05%, the filtration efficiency was increased by 0.64%, and the physical properties were slightly enhanced. After impregnation with PF, the mechanical properties of the air filter paper were significantly enhanced. The PF on the fiber surfaces and at the junction of the fibers covered the MWCNTs. Based on the change in the filter paper properties after impregnation, the optimal filter paper strength index and filtration performance were observed at a solid PF content of 8.4%. When MWCNTs are added into cellulose paper, the efficiency of particle interception is improved.