Research progress of MXene materials in radioactive element and heavy metal ion sequestration

Abstract

Two-dimensional transition metal carbide/nitride (MXene) is a class of new layered nanomaterial discovered in 2011. Due to the novel structure and unique characteristics, MXene-based materials have been widely explored in the applications of energy storage and environmental remediation fields. MXene materials have the advantages of large specific surface areas, abundant active adsorption sites, good hydrophilicity and controllable layer space, and such purely inorganic materials also exhibit excellent radiation resistance and thermal conductivity, thus can be considered as ideal candidates for the sequestration of radioactive element and heavy metal ions. Herein we review the research progress in the controllable preparation of MXene materials and their removal performance for radionuclides and heavy metal ions in the past five years. The related experimental techniques, adsorption behaviors and interaction mechanisms have been systematically summarized. The prospective investigation trends and possible directions in this field are also proposed and discussed.