2D Titanium Carbide MXene-Interfaced Zinc Oxide/Tungstite Architectures Adorned Mixed Matrix Polymer Membranes for Oily Wastewater Treatment

An exceedingly porous and interwoven fibrous structure was achieved in this study by interlocking titanium carbide (Ti3C2) MXenes onto the electrospun mats using poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as the base polymer. The fibrous membrane was further modified with the inclusion of zinc oxide (ZnO) and tungstite (WO3·H2O) nano/microstructures via annealing and hydrothermal approaches. Through these strategic interfaced morphological developments in novel Ti3C2/ZnO/WO3·H2O heterostructures, our findings reveal enhanced wettability and charge-segregation desirable for promoting oil–water separation and photoreactivity, respectively. The superhydrophilic hierarchical architectures offer optimal separation potential for stable oil–water emulsions with a higher flux. Additionally, when exposed to LED light, the composite membrane demonstrated an enhanced photocatalytic capacity for the removal of organic contaminants. This simple, inexpensive, and eco-friendly approach may thus promote the route for the fabrication of 2D MXene-based multifunctional membranes for effective treatment of complex oily wastewater.