MXene-enhanced sulfonated TFN nanofiltration membranes for improved desalination performance

MXene, a recently identified 2D nanosheet, has drawn interest due to its potential application in the modification of thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes for the production of clean water. This study presents the development of MXene-based sulfonated TFN (STFN) nanofiltration membrane for the desalination application and chlorine resistance. A novel amine monomer approach of combination such as 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine (APIP) and 2,5-diaminobenzenesulfonic acid (DABSA) was proposed for the interfacial polymerization. The as-prepared MXene displayed a thin-layer nanoflakes-like structure. The surface morphology of the membrane indicated that the MXene bound well on the sulfonated TFN membrane. The hydrophilicity of the membrane was enhanced significantly in the STFN membrane, and the lower contact angle value was decreased up to 24°. The filtration performance showed that the water flux and salt rejection were improved in both sulfonated thin film composite (STFC) and STFN membranes. STFN membranes achieved a higher rejection of >93 % for Na2SO4 and MgSO4. The antifouling and chlorine resistance were also improved in STFC and STFN membranes. This study would be an insight for the development of novel STFN membranes for desalination applications.