MXenes: The emerging adsorbents for the removal of dyes from water

As the world's population and industrial sector continues to grow, the generation of wastewater has become a major environmental concern. MXenes have emerged as excellent materials to be employed in water purifications owing to their exceptional physicochemical characteristics. These include highly active sites, 2D layered morphology, photo-catalytic properties, thermal/electrical conductivity, large inter-layer spacing, superior sorption/reduction capacity, high negative zeta-potential, and the presence of surface functional groups (–OH and –O). This article provides a comprehensive overview of various MXene-based composite materials that have been developed as effective adsorbents for the enhanced uptake of different kinds of dyes from aqueous environments. Various synthesis methods and physicochemical characteristics of MXenes are discussed, and the effect of different parameters that affect the dyes elimination are critically evaluated. The dye adsorption mechanism and regeneration potential of MXene-based adsorbents are also explored. The key challenges that restrict the widespread use of these materials are highlighted and recommendations for future research are provided. Overall, this review highlights the immense potential of MXene-based adsorbents as a sustainable and effective solution for wastewater treatment. This article is expected to likely grasp the researchers’ attention in exploring MXene-based composite materials as adsorbents, their preparation methods, and applications in the area of dyes elimination from an aqueous environment.