Improved Efficiency and Stability of MXene Membranes via Interlayer Space Tuning for Oily Water Separation

Surfactant-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions are a major environmental concern due to their severe consequences for aquatic organisms and humans. Two-dimensional materials, particularly MXenes, are widely used in various applications and could be used in designing advanced membranes. The narrow interlayer spacing and intrinsic oxidation severely limit mass diffusion and induce poor stability, respectively, of MXene-based separating layers on the membrane support, rendering it challenging to use for oil-water separation. Herein, a high-performing, minimally defective MXene membrane with large