A comprehensive review of MXene-based water-treatment membranes and technologies: Recent progress and perspectives

Abstract

MXenes are a new class of two-dimensional materials that have attracted significant attention owing to their unique and versatile properties, including surface functionality, tunable interlayer spacing, and high photothermal efficiency. Research on MXene-based membranes is still in its early stages; this review aims to provide a general overview and perspectives of MXenes, including their synthesis, surface chemistry, interlayer tuning, membrane fabrication, and applications for water purification. Recent progress in the preparation of MXene-based membranes is also summarized, particularly focusing on nanofiltration, forward osmosis, pervaporation, and solar distillation. In addition, future perspectives and issues are discussed to provide insight into the development of MXene-based membranes and their practical separation applications.