Integration of polydopamine-coated Nb2CTx MXene nanosheets into PLA membranes for enhanced antifouling performance and efficient SARS-CoV-2 removal from raw wastewater

In this study, we synthesised a two-dimensional (2D) Nb2CTx MXene coated with polydopamine (PDA) (PDA@Nb2CTx) nanosheets as a promising nanofiller. The biocompatible and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) (PDA@Nb2CTx/PLA)-based ultrafiltration (UF) membranes were fabricated by incorporation of PDA@Nb2CTx nanosheets into PLA polymer matrix via phase inversion. The physicochemical properties, and separation performance of developed PDA@Nb2CTx/PLA membranes were studied. The 6 wt% PDA@Nb2CTx/PLA membrane showed highest porosity and mean pore size of 78.60 % and 52.95 nm; respectively. The 6 wt% PDA@Nb2CTx/PLA membrane reported ∼4-fold higher pure water permeability (PWP) (493.82 L m−2 h−1 bar−1) compared to the pristine PLA membrane. The 6 wt% PDA@Nb2CTx/PLA membrane offered 2.6-fold and 1.64-fold higher flux recovery ratio (FRR; %) compared to the PLA and 6 wt% PLA/Nb2CTx membranes; respectively. The reported 6 wt% PDA@Nb2CTx/PLA membrane shows a great potential in wastewater and biomedical related applications.