Efficient Antibacterial Membrane based on Two-Dimensional Ti₃C₂T_x (MXene) Nanosheets.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Advanced membranes are crucial for sustainable water treatment.
• MXenes, or 2D materials, show promise for water applications.
• Biofouling hinders membrane performance in water treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antibacterial properties of titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene membranes.
• To evaluate the anti-biofouling potential of these membranes for water treatment.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Ti3C2Tx MXene membranes on PVDF supports.
• Testing antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis.
• Utilizing flow cytometry, SEM, and AFM for cell damage analysis.

Main Results:

• Fresh Ti3C2Tx membranes exhibited >73% antibacterial rate.
• Aged Ti3C2Tx membranes showed >99% growth inhibition for both bacteria.
• Flow cytometry indicated ~70% dead cells after 24h exposure.

Conclusions:

• Ti3C2Tx MXene membranes possess significant antibacterial activity.
• These membranes demonstrate potential as anti-biofouling solutions.
• The findings support MXene application in water and wastewater treatment.