Aqueous Stable Ti3C2 MXene Membrane with Fast and Photoswitchable Nanofluidic Transport

High, stable, and modulatable ionic conductivity is important for many nanofluidic applications of layered two-dimensional (2D) membranes. In this study, we demonstrate a proton and ionic conductivity of the Ti3C2Tx membrane that is orders of magnitude higher than that of bulk solution at low concentrations. Importantly, the membrane is highly stable in aqueous solution without any modification, due to the strong and attractive interlayer van der Waals interaction and weak electrostatic repulsive interaction. Furthermore, by exploiting the intrinsic photothermal property of MXene, we demonstrate that the ionic conductivity can be reversely, rapidly, and completely switched on or off with laser light. This study should prove MXene membrane as a suitable platform to study and utilize nanofluidic ion transport. It should also inspire future studies to manipulate the mass transport through 2D membranes using their inherent physicochemical properties.