MXene Materials for Designing Advanced Separation Membranes

• Published in: Advanced materials (Weinheim) 2020-07, Vol.32 (29), p.e1906697-n/a
• Main Authors: Karahan, Hüseyin Enis, Goh, Kunli, Zhang, Chuanfang (John), Yang, Euntae, Yıldırım, Cansu, Chuah, Chong Yang, Ahunbay, M. Göktuğ, Lee, Jaewoo, Tantekin‐Ersolmaz, Ş. Birgül, Chen, Yuan, Bae, Tae‐Hyun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2D titanium carbides; Catalytic activity; Computer simulation; Desalination; Electrical resistivity; Gas separation; Graphene; Materials science; Membrane processes; Membranes; mixed‐matrix composites; molecular sieving; MXenes; Nanocomposites; nanolaminates; Nanomaterials; Performance evaluation; Wastewater treatment
• ISSN: 0935-9648; 1521-4095
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.201906697

MXenes are emerging rapidly as a new family of multifunctional nanomaterials with prospective applications rivaling that of graphenes. Herein, a timely account of the design and performance evaluation of MXene‐based membranes is provided. First, the preparation and physicochemical characteristics of MXenes are outlined, with a focus on exfoliation, dispersion stability, and processability, which are crucial factors for membrane fabrication. Then, different formats of MXene‐based membranes in the literature are introduced, comprising pristine or intercalated nanolaminates and polymer‐based nanocomposites. Next, the major membrane processes so far pursued by MXenes are evaluated, covering gas separation, wastewater treatment, desalination, and organic solvent purification. The potential utility of MXenes in phase inversion and interfacial polymerization, as well as layer‐by‐layer assembly for the preparation of nanocomposite membranes, is also critically discussed. Looking forward, exploiting the high electrical conductivity and catalytic activity of certain MXenes is put into perspective for niche applications that are not easily achievable by other nanomaterials. Furthermore, the benefits of simulation/modeling approaches for designing MXene‐based membranes are exemplified. Overall, critical insights are provided for materials science and membrane communities to navigate better while exploring the potential of MXenes for developing advanced separation membranes. The current status and future potential of MXene‐based separation membranes is reviewed. After providing a basis on MXene synthesis and membrane design, separation applications of MXene‐based membranes are introduced, namely gas separation, water treatment (e.g., solute removals and bacterial disinfection), desalination, and organic solvent purification. As future perspectives, polymer nanocomposites, electroresponsive/reactive membranes, and simulation‐driven membrane design are discussed.