Two-dimensional MXene hollow fiber membrane for divalent ions exclusion from water

Two-dimensional material membranes with fast transport channels and versatile chemical functionality are promising for molecular separation. Herein, for the first time, we reported design and engineering of two-dimensional Ti₃C₂T_x MXene (called transition metal carbides and nitrides) membranes supported on asymmetric polymeric hollow fiber substrate for water desalination. The membrane morphology, physicochemical properties and ions exclusion performance were systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that surface hydrophilicity and electrostatic repulsion and size sieving effect of interlayer channels synergistically endowed the MXene hollow fiber membrane with fast water permeation and efficient rejection of divalent ions during nanofiltration process.