Review—Ti3C2Tx MXene: An Emerging Two-Dimensional Layered Material in Water Treatment

Abstract

Since its discovery in 2011, the Ti3C2Tx MXene has attracted more and more attentions in diverse fields such as photocatalysis, energy storage, and electromagnetic shielding interference etc., due to its unique layered structure, high specific surface area, high conductivity, catalytic activity and easy functionalization. In recent years, attributed to its excellent light-to-heat conversion property, good selective adsorption and effective reduction feature for heavy metal ions, the Ti3C2Tx MXene has appealed new attentions in water treatment. This review mainly summarizes the latest research progresses on Ti3C2Tx MXene in water treatment. Firstly, the synthesis methods in recent years, characterizations and surface modifications of Ti3C2Tx MXene are briefly summarized. Then the application progresses and mechanisms of Ti3C2Tx MXene in solar desalination, removal of heavy metal ions, organic dyes, radionuclides and bacteria are introduced. Finally, the main challenges and prospects of Ti3C2Tx MXene based nanomaterials are proposed. This review provides a reference for further research on water treatment, and might promote the practical application of nanomaterials in water treatment from the laboratory research.