Multifunctional Ti₃C₂T_x MXene/Silver Nanowire Membranes with Excellent Catalytic, Antifouling, and Antibacterial Properties for Nitrophenol-Containing Water Purification

Abstract

The uncontrolled release of nitrophenol and dye pollutants into water systems is an increasingly serious worldwide concern, and thus efficient wastewater treatment technologies are urgently needed. Herein we report a novel two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and/or nitrides (Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene) membrane modified with silver nanowires (AgNWs) by vacuum assisted filtration technology for the ultrafast nitrophenol catalysis and water purification applications. Regular and controllable membrane transport channels were constructed by stacking Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene nanosheets. Furthermore, the intercalation of AgNWs into the Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene interlayer greatly enlarged the interlayer spacing, resulting in more gaps for fast and selective molecular transport. The optimized Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene@AgNWs (M@A) membrane exhibited a water flux up to ∼191.9 L/(m 2 h) while maintaining a high bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection of ∼95.4%. We emphatically used M@A membranes as efficient catalysts for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), and the results indicated that M@A-12% membrane exhibited the greatest catalytic reduction ability, and recycling utilization. M@A-12% membrane also had an antibacterial rate of more than 99% against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). This work provides a possibility to expand the application of 2D multifunctional M@A membranes in wastewater treatment and pollutant catalytic degradation.

Research Progress on Ti3C2Tx-Based Composite Materials in Antibacterial Field

“…Furthermore, the combination of Ti 3 C 2 T x with cellulose to form Ti 3 C 2 T x /cellulose photothermal membranes achieves nearly 94% light absorption efficiency and demonstrates antibacterial efficiency exceeding 99%, bringing promising prospects for practical application in long-term wastewater treatment [ 153 ] ( Figure 8 ). Composite membranes formed by combining Ti 3 C 2 T x nanosheets with silver nanowires [ 189 ] or nanoparticles [ 190 ] exhibit an inhibition rate exceeding 99% against E. coli and S. aureus , positioning them as attractive candidates for developing nanofiltration membranes for water purification and biomedical applications. Moreover, Ti 3 C 2 T x -functionalized phages, prepared by loading Ti 3 C 2 T x nanoparticle fragments onto well-characterized phages via electrostatic bonding, have high specificity for the recognition of host receptors, the targeting of phage and bacterial surface negative charges [ 191 ].…”

Superhydrophilic Photothermal-Responsive CuO@MXene Nanofibrous Membrane with Inherent Biofouling Resistance for Treating Complex Oily Wastewater

“…Currently, an exceptional 2D material named MXene has swiftly emerged as a beacon of promise in scientific research. Due to its unique features, including its high surface area and distinct layered structure, MXene stands out among other 2D materials. , In particular, its metallic conductivity and surface functionalities enhance the interaction between the catalyst and reactants while providing active sites for the adsorption of pollutants. , This dual capability makes it an excellent cocatalyst for photocatalytic activity. In fact, MXene/semiconductor heterostructures, like MXene/TiO 2 , have demonstrated notable improvements, with a 2-fold increase compared to pure TiO 2 .…”

Fast Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol and Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production by Self-Reduced Bi/Ti3C2Tx/Bi2S3 Nanocomposite: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

“…The release of industrial wastewater containing 4-NP presents a substantial risk due to its toxicity, carcinogenic properties, and the potential to induce allergies and skin inflammation. , Therefore, the reduction of the highly toxic 4-NP to the less harmful 4-AP is essential for both the industrial production of 4-AP and the treatment of wastewater contaminated with 4-NP. The byproduct, 4-AP, has minimal environmental impact and can be reused to produce aniline and paracetamol . The appropriate choice of a catalyst is crucial in influencing this process.…”

“…The catalytic reduction process typically involves an excess of NaBH 4 as a reducing agent coupled with an active catalyst for the reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP. However, the predominantly used catalysts are precious metals, − limiting their practical application. Consequently, the development of nonprecious metal catalysts with exceptional performance is crucial for advancing progress in the field of catalytic reduction.…”