Review on recent advancements of 2D MXene-based nanostructures on different possible approaches for wastewater treatment

Abstract

In this review, a brief perspective of MXene (since 2011) with recent research for new and advanced applications for wastewater treatments through various approaches have been discussed. Current information’s about MXenes are summarized to fully understand their nature, promising properties and reduce the challenges that have opened the new era of their uses. Primarily, the existing modest problem is the availability of potable water to sustain healthy human-chain and entire ecosystem, as contaminated water has harsh consequences and poses serious threats to human-health worldwide. In the current stage, supply of potable water for society with cheap and low-cost technology has become the key requirement for the growing economy. Efficient techniques to remove several contaminants (including dyes, heavy metal ions, pharmaceutical or organic products) from wastewater have been transformed gradually to mitigate this scarcity. In this direction, MXene based nanostructures have become a promising material for the wastewater treatment. These structures have unique hydrophilicity, high surface area, a good photocatalytic activity, and wonderful adsorption capacity for contaminates. Numerous advanceshavebeen observed in the optimized rational designs of MXene-derived nanocomposites and their applications in wastewater purification. Hence, timely updates are necessary to emphasize on toxic removals and characterizations including merits and demerits of these MXene-based nanostructures. Thus, this study summarizes the guidelines for the synthesis and applications of MXene-based nanocomposites in wastewater purification, which may stimulate the scientific community to develop a variety of MXene-derived nanostructures with well-defined structures, constitution, and enhanced physicochemical properties for effectively removal of noxious pollutants from wastewater using cost-effective and feasible techniques.