MXene nanocomposite nanofiltration membrane for low carbon and long-lasting desalination

Abstract Current membranes have limitations in permeability and selectivity, and require long-time stability, which drive the development of high-performance nanofiltration (NF) membranes. MXene is a new type of highly hydrophilic and negatively charged two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets material, especially its supernatant has good dispersibility and stability. The MXene supernatant containing several layers was treated as aqueous solvent for interfacial polymerization, consequently the prepared MXene nanocomposite membrane could maintain high permeselectivity even under low pressures required for low carbon. The characterization results showed that the MXene nanocomposite membrane had better hydrophilicity and higher negative charge. At the same time, the Na2SO4 rejection was increased to 97.6% and the pure water flux was improved by about 1.7 times compared with the pristine membrane. In the BSA antifouling test and 58-day persistent desalination test, the MXene nanocomposite membrane showed the better antifouling property, high rejection and good stability. As an excellent 2D modifier, MXene provided fresh ideas and guidance for low-carbon and persistent NF membranes with excellent separation performance.