MXene‐Based Polymer Composite Membranes for Pervaporation and Gas Separation

Membrane separation systems are unique in the field of gas separation due to their low cost, outstanding performance, and environmental benefits. MXene membranes have piqued the interest of layered membrane specialists in the fields of gas separation, water treatment, desalination, and solvent extraction due to their remarkable properties, which include great mechanical strength, a high surface area, strong chemical and thermal stability, good electrical conductivity, easiness in functionalization, and hydrophilic nature. MXene based polymer composites makes the membrane preparation easy and straight forward. In addition to this, the development of polyelectrolyte functionalized MXene has also led to excellent separation. Several methods, such as cross-linking MXene nanosheets, adding extra nanochannels, constructing MXene hybrid membranes, and employing MXene as 2D scaffolds, are used to fabricate MXene-based polymer nanocomposite. In this book chapter, we will be systematically discussing these manufacturing processes. The performance of separation is affected by various factors such as stability, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, surface functionality, and porous size of the membrane. The mechanism and factors affecting pervaporation and gas separation is discussed in details. The measurement procedure and selectivity is also discussed. Efforts are made to compare the selectivity of various MXene-based composites. This chapter will provide a clear and concise summary of the various MXene based composites in a nut shell and it aims to enlighten the future research in this field.