Synthesis, characterization, and performance of MXene-modified PVC membranes for organic and inorganic separation

This study explores the transformation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flat sheet membranes for the first time using MXene, a hydrophilic two-dimensional (2D) nanosheet, to enhance ultrafiltration (UF) performance for wastewater treatment. The loading of MXene in the PVC solution was adjusted from 0 to 0.5 g in order to create modified membranes. The properties and performance of these membranes were thoroughly analyzed using field emission scanning electronmicroscopy (FESEM), contact angle (CA) measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), water permeation flux, Bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection, and Pb metal ions removal tests. Among the developed membranes, the N2-modified PVC membrane, with 0.4 g of MXene, exhibited the most favorable characteristics, including a contact angle of 65.77° and a porosity of .84.8 %. This membrane achieved the highest clean water permeation flux of 201.3 LMH, along with a 99.9 %, 91.03 % BSA and Pb metal ions rejection rate respectively, and a flux recovery ratio (FRR) of 90.2 %. The incorporation of MXene nanosheets significantly enhanced membrane efficiency compared to neat PVC membranes, demonstrating the promising capabilities of MXene-modified PVC membranes for effective wastewater treatment.