MXenes as emerging nanomaterials in water purification and environmental remediation

Environmental pollution has accelerated and intensified because of the acceleration of industrialization, therefore fabricating excellent materials to remove hazardous pollutants has become inevitable. MXenes as emerging transition metal nitrides, carbides or carbonitrides with high conductivity, hydrophilicity, excellent structural stability, and versatile surface chemistry, become ideal candidates for water purification and environmental remediation. Particularly, MXenes reveal excellent sorption capability and efficient reduction performance for various contaminants of wastewater. In this regard, a comprehensive understanding of the removal behaviors of MXene-based nanomaterials is necessary to explain how they remove various pollutants in water. The eliminate process of MXene-based nanomaterials is collectively influenced by the physicochemical properties of the materials themselves and the chemical properties of different contaminants. Therefore, in this review paper, the synthesis strategies and properties of MXene-based nano materials are briefly introduced. Then, the chemical properties, removal behaviors and interaction mechanisms of heavy metal ions, radionuclides, and organic pollutants by MXene-based nanomaterials are highlighted. The overview also emphasizes associated toxicity, secondary contamination, the challenges, and prospects of the MXene-based nano materials in the applications of water treatment. This review can supply valuable ideas for fabricating versatile MXene nanomaterials in eliminating water pollution.

Automated summary

Environmental pollution has accelerated due to industrialization, leading to the need for excellent materials to remove hazardous pollutants. MXenes, as emerging transition metal nitrides, carbides, or carbonitrides, show great potential for water purification and environmental remediation. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of MXene-based nanomaterials, including their synthesis strategies, properties, removal behaviors, and interaction mechanisms with various pollutants. It also discusses the challenges and prospects of MXene-based nanomaterials in water treatment applications.