Recent Progress In Mxene Based Membranes For Pressure Driven Water Desalination Applications: An Overview

Abstract

The increasing global concern regarding water scarcity and contamination has necessitated the development of innovative and efficient water treatment technologies. Among these advancements, MXenes, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides have emerged as a promising class of materials due to their unique properties and functionalities. First synthesized in 2011, MXenes possess a unique combination of properties, including a two-dimensional layered structure, excellent electrical conductivity, intrinsic hydrophilicity, robust mechanical stability, and easily modifiable surface functional groups, making them highly attractive materials for the development of advanced membranes for water purification. The versatility of MXenes arises from their layered structure, allowing for easy exfoliation into thin nanosheets that can be manipulated to create membranes with tailored pore sizes and surface properties. These attributes enable the selective separation of contaminants from water, including heavy metals, organic pollutants, and salts. Furthermore, the incorporation of MXenes into traditional membrane matrices can enhance permeability while maintaining or improving selectivity a critical balance that is often challenging to achieve in membrane technology. Recent studies have focused on elucidating the mechanisms by which MXene-based membranes facilitate water treatment processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing membrane design and performance. Simultaneously, advancements in fabrication techniques have led to the development of novel MXene-based composite membranes that improve the synergistic effects of MXenes with other materials to enhance functionality. As the field progresses, comprehensive evaluations of the performance of MXene membranes in various water treatment scenarios are essential for assessing their viability for real-world applications. In this review, we discuss in detail on the recent developments in MXene-based membranes for water treatment applications by exploring their unique properties, mechanisms of action, advancements in fabrication technologies, and performance metrics. Additionally, this review explores future directions and research opportunities that could further enhance the progress of MXene-based membranes toward practical implementation in addressing global water challenges.