2D Titanium Carbide MXene-Interfaced Zinc Oxide/Tungstite Architectures Adorned Mixed Matrix Polymer Membranes for Oily Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

An exceedingly porous and interwoven fibrous structure was achieved in this study by interlocking titanium carbide (Ti₃C₂) MXenes onto the electrospun mats using poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as the base polymer. The fibrous membrane was further modified with the inclusion of zinc oxide (ZnO) and tungstite (WO₃·H₂O) nano/microstructures via annealing and hydrothermal approaches. Through these strategic interfaced morphological developments in novel Ti₃C₂/ZnO/WO₃·H₂O heterostructures, our findings reveal enhanced wettability and charge-segregation desirable for promoting oil–water separation and photoreactivity, respectively. The superhydrophilic hierarchical architectures offer optimal separation potential for stable oil–water emulsions with a higher flux. Additionally, when exposed to LED light, the composite membrane demonstrated an enhanced photocatalytic capacity for the removal of organic contaminants. This simple, inexpensive, and eco-friendly approach may thus promote the route for the fabrication of 2D MXene-based multifunctional membranes for effective treatment of complex oily wastewater.