Recent Advances in MXene-Based Nanocomposites for Wastewater Purification and Water Treatment: A Review

The increase in pollutants such as hazardous refractory contaminants, organic dyes, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides entering water resources on a large scale due to global population growth and industrialization has become a significant health concern worldwide. The two-dimensional (2D) MXene material is a new type of transition metal carbide or carbonitride material, which has demonstrated the capability to adsorb various heavy contaminants, particularly metals such as chromium, copper, lead, and mercury. In addition, MXenes have a tunable band gap (0.92-1.75 eV) and exhibit good thermal stability and considerable damage resistance, which means that they are well suited as adsorbents for waste removal. In this review article, MXene nanocomposites are introduced for the removal of pollutants from water. The idea of water remediation, the applications of MXene-based nanocomposites, and the effects on the degradation of water and wastewater contaminants are reviewed. Future trends in MXene-based nanocomposites for water treatment and environmental applications will also be discussed.

Automated summary

The increase in pollutants entering water resources due to population growth and industrialization has become a global health concern. MXene materials have shown the capability to adsorb heavy contaminants and are well suited as adsorbents for waste removal. This review article introduces MXene nanocomposites for water remediation, discusses their applications, and reviews their effects on water and wastewater contaminants degradation. Future trends in MXene-based nanocomposites for water treatment and environmental applications are also discussed.