Modeling and Optimization of MXene/PVC Membranes for Enhanced Water Treatment Performance.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Wastewater treatment requires efficient removal of heavy metal ions like lead (Pb²⁺).
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membranes are widely used but can be improved for better performance and fouling resistance.
• MXene nanosheets offer unique properties for enhancing membrane functionalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize MXene-modified PVC mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for Pb²⁺ ion removal.
• To investigate the impact of MXene nanosheets on membrane properties and performance.
• To optimize operational and fabrication parameters for efficient and stable Pb²⁺ removal.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of MXene-modified PVC MMMs.
• Characterization of membrane properties (hydrophilicity, porosity, contact angle).
• Application of modeling and optimization techniques to assess performance under varying conditions (pH, concentration, pressure, MXene content).

Main Results:

• MXene incorporation enhanced membrane hydrophilicity, porosity, and fouling resistance.
• Predictive models accurately assessed membrane flux and Pb²⁺ rejection.
• Optimized conditions (2 mg/L Pb²⁺, pH 7.89, 2.99 bar, 0.3 g MXene) yielded high Pb²⁺ rejection and stable permeability.

Conclusions:

• MXene-modified PVC MMMs show significant potential for effective heavy metal removal.
• Combining nanomaterials with optimization techniques is a viable strategy for developing advanced water treatment membranes.
• This study highlights a promising approach for wastewater treatment applications using MXene-based materials.