Ti₃C₂T_x MXene-derived hydroxyl-rich titanate based hybrid membrane with cellulose as structural regulator for highly-efficient disposition of heavy metal ions

Exploring an efficient and stable adsorbent material for purification of toxic heavy metal ions wastewater is of great significance. However, as a typical heavy metal ions adsorbent, titanate can still improve in material synthesis, adsorption efficiency and the recyclability. Herein, a novel titanate-based adsorbent which composing of Ti3C2Tx MXene-derived hydroxy-rich titanate and cellulose was fabricated for efficient removal of toxic heavy metal ions. Owing to the similar stratified structure, the conversion from Ti3C2Tx MXene to titanate is energysaving and easy to achieve. In addition, the inherited hydroxy-rich property is beneficial to improve the adsorption efficiency of the derived titanate. Furthermore, the introduction of cellulose as a structural regulator to fabricate the titanate/cellulose membrane could greatly alleviate the problem of difficult recycling of powder adsorbent. Thus, the constructed Ti3C2Tx-derived hydroxy-rich titanate/cellulose membrane adsorbent (M-NTO/ CM) exhibits high Cu2+ adsorption capacity of 2.63 mmol g-1 and can reach the adsorption equilibrium in only 5 min. Better yet, there has also been a significant improvement in acid resistance and recyclability of the M-NTO/ CM relative to traditional titanate. In short, M-NTO/CM derived from Ti3C2Tx MXene can be used as an advanced membrane for convenient and efficient purification of heavy metal ions from the wastewater.