Metal-polyphenol cross-linked titanium carbide membranes with stable interlayer spacing for efficient wastewater...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• MXene membranes offer promising water treatment due to molecular sieving and permeation properties.
• Hydrophilic MXenes face challenges with swelling and stability in water, limiting their application.
• Improving MXene membrane stability is crucial for effective water purification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the stability and performance of titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene laminar membranes.
• To investigate the use of a Fe3+-tannic acid complex as a cross-linker and surface modifier.
• To develop a facile and environmentally friendly method for fabricating advanced nanofiltration membranes.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of Ti3C2Tx MXene laminar membranes using a Fe3+-tannic acid complex.
• Cross-linking and surface modification of MXene nanosheets with the Fe3+-TA complex.
• Characterization of membrane performance, including water permeance, separation efficiency, and antifouling properties.

Main Results:

• The Fe3+-TA complex formation stabilized the MXene laminar structure and increased interlayer spacing.
• The optimized membrane achieved a water permeance of 90.5 L/m2·h·bar, twice that of the pristine membrane.
• High separation efficiency for methyl blue (~99.8%) and moderate Na2SO4 rejection (~5.0%) were observed.
• Enhanced hydrophilicity and excellent antifouling properties were demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The Fe3+-TA complex effectively stabilizes MXene membranes, improving their water treatment performance.
• This method provides an eco-friendly approach to fabricating robust 2D loose nanofiltration membranes.
• The developed membranes show significant potential for textile wastewater treatment applications.