Chapter 17 - MXene-based materials for remediation of environmental pollutants

Abstract

New-featured technologies on the doorstep engender inquisitiveness in researchers and lead them to take advantage for apposite applications. With the rise of nanotechnology, various materials with different structures and features gained the attention of researchers from every field of science and technology. Interest in two-dimensional (2D) materials has recently exploded because of their shape-based features. Because their dimensions are limited to two, they exhibit enhanced properties, including large surface area and many sites for interaction with other materials. Because of their higher number of sites, their activity with other materials is also high, and in turn they have higher functionality and capacity. Building upon these features, 2D materials have a wide range of application in a variety of fields. 2D materials’ active sites, high surface area, better functionalization, high conductivity, hydrophilicity, and biocompatibility make them of interest as environmental remediation agents for pollutant extraction as well as for purposes such as catalysis, energy storage, electronics, and sensors. MXene is a newly discovered 2D transition material in the field of nanotechnology. But as far as application is concerned, it is in a leading position among the 2D materials. This chapter emphasizes the environmental applications of MXene, which is discussed in detail in its three forms: bare, nanocomposite, and nanosheet. The chapter focuses on environmental pollutant remediation by the different forms of MXene and its advanced synthesis for membranes, photocatalysis, adsorbents, and solar desalination.