Removal of selected contaminants of dyes and pharmaceuticals using MXene-based nanoadsorbents: A review

Due to advancements of science and technology with accelerations of urbanization and industrialization, large quantities of wastewater containing various dyes and pharmaceuticals are discharged. The detection of these organic pollutants has become more prominent. Among water treatment technologies for dealing with such organic pollutants, adsorption using MXene-based nanoadsorbents has gradually gained attention as a more competitive method than other technologies. To apply adsorption to actual wastewater treatment, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of how MXene-based nanomaterials remove dyes and pharmaceuticals, the mechanisms involved, and the optimal adsorption performance under various experimental conditions. In this review, various characteristics of MXene-based nanoadsorbents, key adsorption mechanisms, water quality conditions, and their combination with other water treatment technologies are extensively discussed. In particular, while previous studies have primarily focused on dyes as the target contaminants, this review also highlights the overall removal mechanisms and adsorption performance of MXene-based adsorbents for various pharmaceuticals. The potential and expected challenges of modified MXene-based adsorbents along with the economic feasibility and regenerability of MXene-based nanoadsorbents are also discussed.