Enhanced performance of immobilized laccase in electrospun fibrous membranes by carbon nanotubes modification and its application for bisphenol A removal from water

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used as modified materials to improve the performance of laccase-carrying electrospun fibrous membranes (LCEFMs). The MWCNTs modified LCEFMs (MWCNTs-LCEFMs) were successfully fabricated via emulsion electrospinning, with active laccase and MWCNTs encapsulated inside the fibers. After modified by an optimal amount (1.5 wt%, vs. polymer) of MWCNTs, the obtained MWCNTs-LCEFMs showed not only higher activity recovery (85.3%, vs. free laccase) than LCEFMs (71.2%), but also better storage and operational stability, which were mainly attributed to the promoted electron transfer in laccase-catalytic reaction. Furthermore, the specific surface area and tensile strength of MWCNTs-LCEFMs have also been enhanced nearly 2 and 3 times than those of LCEFMs, respectively. The MWCNTs-LCEFMs were applied to remove the widespread bisphenol A from water, where their removal efficiency reached above 90%, with the degradation efficiency accounting for over 80%, and their adsorption efficiency increased about 45% than that of LCEFMs. In addition, the endurances of MWCNTs-LCEFMs to environmental factors such as pH and temperature were also improved.