Aerosol filtration enhancement using carbon nanostructures synthesized within a sintered nickel microfibrous matrix

► Nanostructures synthesized within metal matrix enhance air filtration performance. ► Carbon nanostructures including nanofibers were catalytically synthesized. ► Matrices/filter media with synthesized nanostructures act as depth filter. ► Enhancement of filtration due to slip flow is limited by the reduction in pore size. ► Optimization of quantity of nanostructures is required to maximize enhancement.