Alkane molecularly imprinted nanofiber membranes used to enhance the diesel degradation process

Abstract Combining molecular imprinting technology with electrostatic spinning technology, a molecularly imprinted nanofiber membrane material with memory and recognition of specific imprinted molecules is thus produced. It has the advantages of high efficiency, reusability, easy amplification, and simple operation. In this study, alkane molecularly imprinted nanofibrous membranes are prepared as a carrier for immobilize Bacillus cereus LY‐1 for the degradation of diesel in oil–water system. The adsorption capacity of the molecularly imprinted material for diesel oil with n ‐decyl alcohol as the template molecule reach 120.25 mg g −1 , the adsorption capacity of alkane molecularly imprint nanofiber membrane prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the membrane substrate material is 41.37 mg g −1 . After 4 days, the immobilized LY‐1 cells eliminate roughly 80.7% of the diesel at a starting concentration of 3 g L −1 . The results show that imprinted structures in MINM enhance degradation by loaded microorganisms.