Interface engineering of a MXenes/PVDF mixed-matrix membrane for superior water purification: efficient removal of oil, protein and tetracycline

Abstract

This study developed a high-performance polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) mixed matrix membrane incorporating MXene nanosheets for efficient wastewater treatment. The addition of MXene significantly enhanced the water permeability and antifouling properties of PVDF ultrafiltration membranes, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization of the nanoadditive and SEM analysis of the modified membranes. The optimal membrane, blended with 0.2 wt% MXene, exhibited a maximum water permeance of 1242 kg m⁻² h per bar and maintained a 99% crude oil rejection rate over three separation cycles, demonstrating excellent antifouling performance. This superior separation efficiency across different feeds resulted from favorable interactions between MXene and pollutants, enhancing bovine serum albumin and tetracycline adsorption while synergistically improving water permeability and pollutant capture. Consequently, MXene/PVDF mixed matrix membranes show strong potential as an effective, durable, and stable solution for removing emerging wastewater pollutants, offering enhanced performance in pollutant rejection/removal and fouling resistance, thus addressing critical water purification and environmental sustainability challenges.