MXenes: A Revolutionary Approach for Emerging Contaminant Removal and Water Purification

Abstract

MXenes, discovered in 2011, are two-dimensional metal carbides renowned for their exceptional properties, including a high surface area, hydrophilicity, facile synthesis, high catalytic activity, metallic conductivity, and biocompatibility. These attributes make MXenes highly suitable for various environmental remediation applications, including water purification. This review delves into the synthesis routes and functionalization strategies of MXenes, with a particular focus on their use in water treatment. We explore the efficiency of MXene-related adsorbents for recovering heavy metals from wastewater, photocatalysis of organic dyes, microplastics, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceutical compounds, and the associated mechanisms. The synthesis and application of MXene-based membranes are also examined. We also discuss the techno-economic viability of MXenes for large-scale applications. The aim is to highlight the transformative potential of MXenes and its related materials in tackling water pollution challenges and to provide insights for future research in this field.