Highly efficient methylene blue removal by TMAOH delaminated Ti3C2Tx MXene suspension and the mechanistic aspect

Abstract

As a novel two-dimensional material, MXene is considered as a good candidate for pollutants removal. In this report, Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets suspension was synthesized by intercalating and delaminating of the multi-layered Ti3C2Tx using tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH). Given to its unique properties, it showed excellent performances on cationic methylene blue (MB) adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity was figured to be 1026 mg/g at 318 K, which is much higher than most absorbents reported in previous studies. Mechanistic studies revealed that electrostatic attraction and ion exchange are the main factors for MB removal. Additionally, the Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets composite membrane was prepared and applied to the MB removal through filtration, which showed good removal efficiency and dye water flux. The current Ti3C2Tx MXene suspension should be a promising absorbent for MB removal from water.