Construction and application of two-dimensional MXene-based membranes for water treatment: A mini-review

The two-dimensional (2D) MXene (Ti3C2Tx) nanomaterial, a novel transition metal carbon/nitride 2D layered material, is receiving tremendous attention in the fields of energy, catalysis, and biomedicine. Membrane materials constructed on MXene-based have also been gradually attracting more and more attention in recent years. Herein, we review the preparation and physicochemical properties of 2D MXene nanomaterials, and construction and modification of MXene-based membranes. The advantages and disadvantages of 2D MXene membranes have been identified as well. Moreover, the application and potential used of 2D MXene membranes in water treatment process have been summarized, such as for oil/water separation, removal of small molecules and desalination process. Finally, the mechanism of MXene membranes for water treatment, and their future perspectives are presented for addressing the problems in swelling resistance and pollution resistance of 2D membranes in the water treatment field. Therefore, this review provides a reference for the design and application of high performance MXene-based membrane.