Modification strategies for Ti3C2Tx MXene-based membranes to enhance nanofiltration performance: A review

MXene-based membranes have gained widespread attention in the field of water purification because of their excellent separation performance. However, three major obstacles are encountered in the performance improvement of MXene-based membranes including membrane fouling, trade-off effect and stability. The modification of MXene materials has become the most straightforward and effective solution to this problem. To date, the modification strategies for MXene-based membranes to enhance nanofiltration performance have not been systematically reviewed. In this review, this knowledge gap is addressed by systematically elucidating the efforts and innovations in the modification of MXene-based membranes. The distinctive preparation techniques for MXene nanosheets and membranes are briefly described. Various modification strategies for MXene materials, including the reconstruction of the interlayer nanochannels between MXene nanosheets and optimization of the MXene surface functional groups/charges, are comprehensively discussed. Moreover, future technological challenges, such as reproducibility, scale-up potential, and sustainability of MXene-based membranes are discussed in detail. These challenges are expected to serve as a source of motivation for future researchers to continue enhancing the characteristics of MXene materials to expedite the use of MXene membranes in practical industrial applications. This review provides novel insights into the design of advanced MXene-based membranes for water-separation applications.