Rapid growth of MXene-based membranes for sustainable environmental pollution remediation

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) 2023-01, Vol.311, p.137056, Article 137056
• Main Authors: Raheem, Ijlal, Mubarak, Nabisab Mujawar, Karri, Rama Rao, Solangi, Nadeem Hussain, Jatoi, Abdul Sattar, Mazari, Shaukat Ali, Khalid, Mohammad, Tan, Yie Hua, Koduru, Janardhan Reddy, Malafaia, Guilherme
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Heavy metals; Membranes; MXene; Organic pollutants; Radionuclides; Toxic materials; Water reserves
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137056

Water consumption has grown in recent years due to rising urbanization and industry. As a result, global water stocks are steadily depleting. As a result, it is critical to seek strategies for removing harmful elements from wastewater once it has been cleaned. In recent years, many studies have been conducted to develop new materials and innovative pathways for water purification and environmental remediation. Due to low energy consumption, low operating cost, and integrated facilities, membrane separation has gained significant attention as a potential technique for water treatment. In these directions, MXene which is the advanced 2D material has been explored and many applications were reported. However, research on MXene-based membranes is still in its early stages and reported applications are scatter. This review provides a broad overview of MXenes and their perspectives, including their synthesis, surface chemistry, interlayer tuning, membrane construction, and uses for water purification. Application of MXene based membrane for extracting pollutants such as heavy metals, organic contaminants, and radionuclides from the aqueous water bodies were briefly discussed. Furthermore, the performance of MXene-based separation membranes is compared to that of other nano-based membranes, and outcomes are very promising. In order to shed more light on the advancement of MXene-based membranes and their operational separation applications, significant advances in the fabrication of MXene-based membranes is also encapsulated. Finally, future prospects of MXene-based materials for diverse applications were discussed. [Display omitted] •Structure of MXene is briefly presented.•A comprehensive elaboration of synthesis of MXene and preparation of MXene-based membrane.•Properties of MXene and effect of properties on the performance of MXene, along with a comparison with other nanomembranes.•Removal of organic pollutants, heavy metals, and radionuclides from water by MXene.•Current challenges and future scope of MXene in the purification of water.