Preparation of nanofilter from carbon nanotubes for application in virus removal from water

A carbonaceous nanofilter was fabricated by a continuous spray pyrolysis method by using n-hexane as a carbon source and ferrocene as a catalyst source. Different parameters such as catalyst concentration, temperature, gas flow rate and reaction time affecting the purity of synthesized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to construct the nanofilter. The reaction time was controlled and its effect was considered on the nanofilter formation. Samples of CNT were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy; its porosity and pore size were determined by the nitrogen adsorption method. The reaction time was shown as an important parameter on the formation and properties of the carbonaceous nanofilter. The fabricated nanofilter in the best condition was used for MS2 virus removal. The results showed that at pressures of 8–11 bar the MS2 viruses were removed with a high efficiency by using the fabricated nanofilter.