Innovative MXene/TiO₂ Photocatalytic Membranes: A Comprehensive Approach to Efficient Visible Light Photodegradation and Sustainable Energy Generation

Abstract:

MXenes (Ti₃C₂) have gained significant research attention in the domain of photocatalysis due to their well-defined planar structure, exceptional metallic conductivity, diverse elemental content, terminations of surface groups and numerous derivatives. The utilization of MXene-derived and based materials serves as a compelling rationale for developing creative photocatalysts that exhibit both optimal activity and long-term stability. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has emerged as the most thoroughly researched photocatalyst due to its exceptional photocatalytic activity, affordability, lack of toxicity and abundant availability. However, TiO₂-based technologies are characterized by significant limitations, including a broadband gap and the rapid recombination of photoinduced charge carriers. Extensive research explores MXene's role in enhancing TiO₂ through MXene/TiO₂ nanocomposite synthesis. These nanocomposites enable efficient electron transport at the metal-semiconductor interface, with MXene serving as a co-catalyst or support to enhance catalytic activity. Traditional membrane separation techniques pose challenges, when efficiently removing contaminants as a result of fouling and pressure-related concerns. To address these constraints, novel membrane technologies, including photocatalytic membranes have been developed. By implementing these hybrid techniques the overdependence on size exclusion mechanisms can be bypassed, thereby enabling more effective separation of pollutants. This study addresses the recent advances in MXene/TiO₂-based photocatalytic membrane technology to eliminate new contaminants and improve pollutant removal when utilized with existing treatment methods.

• Periodical: Defect and Diffusion Forum (Volume 440)
• Pages: 3-19
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-WEf1i1
• Online since: March 2025
• Authors: Fahad Mir, Juhana Jaafar*, Azmat Ali Khan, Mustafa Kamal, Zeeshan Khan, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman, Mukhlis Abdul Rahman, Farhana Aziz
• Keywords: MXene, Organic Contaminants, Photocatalytic Membrane, Photodegradation, Water Treatment

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