Application of titanium carbide/nitride (MXene)-based NPs in adsorption of radionuclides and heavy metal ions for wastewater remediation: A review

Contamination of water resources by various non-biodegradable pollutants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, organic chemicals, microorganisms, and volatile organic compounds has become a public concern because of urbanization, industrialization, and inefficient wastewater management (organic and inorganic). Transition Metal Carbide/Nitride (MXene) is an emerging nano-material that be used for the treatment of polluted waters due to its mechanical flexibility, scalable production, good conductivity, rich surface functionality, layered morphology, and high specific surface area. Furthermore, it has an excellent ability to simultaneously adsorb of different pollutants according to their interlayer spacing and surface terminal groups (O−, OH− and F−). Due to its stability and ease of processing, Titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) is most researched so far. In addition, it has displayed a great performance in captivating radioactive nano-particles and heavy metal ions. In this review article, the synthesis of Ti3C2Tx-MXene nanoparticles with conventional selective etching methods, parameters affecting the structure and morphology of Ti3C2Tx-MXene nanoparticles, control of surface functional groups, sonication, interpolation and functionalization with the aim of using nanoparticles in water purification and heavy metals and radionuclides are examined. Most of the adsorption potential of heavy metals and radionuclides with Ti3C2Tx-MXene nanoparticles is investigated with parameters affecting surface adsorption such as temperature, water quality and presence of background ions, pH and parameters such as contact time and adsorbent dose and adsorption mechanism. A review on the adsorption potential of heavy metals and radionuclides of Ti3C2Tx-MXene and is done. The feasibility of MXene-based nano-particles in environmental and economic aspects has been evaluated for understanding their potential practical applications in industries. Moreover, the challenges regarding the toxicity importance and synthesis of these newly nano-materials to be discussed. Finally, some appropriate suggestions are presented.