The performance of two-dimensional (2D) Ti3C2T x MXene nanosheets in the adsorption and copper removal from aqueous media was investigated. Delaminated (DL)-Ti3C2T x exhibited excellent Cu removal ability, because of their large specific surface area, hydrophilicity, and unique surface functional properties. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were performed to analyze the structural changes in Ti3C2T x MXene and its interaction with Cu ions. Oxygenated moieties in the layered structure of MXene facilitated reductive adsorption of Cu2+ forming Cu2O and CuO species. DL-Ti3C2T x exhibited a higher and faster Cu uptake, compared to multilayer (ML)-Ti3C2T x . The maximum experimental adsorption capacity (Q exp,max) was 78.45 mg g–1, and 80% of the total content of metal ions was adsorbed within 1 min. A pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich adsorption isotherm accurately describe the equilibrium time and maximum Cu uptake onto the adsorbent material, respectively. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption process was endothermic. The adsorption capacity (Q e) of DL-Ti3C2T x was 2.7 times higher than that of a commercially available activated carbon. The present results illustrate the promising potential of 2D MXene nanosheets for the removal of toxic metals from water.

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Graphene-based two-dimensional materials have been explored in a variety of applications, including the treatment of heavy-metal-rich water/wastewater.

Two-dimensional (2-D) titanium carbide MXene core (Ti 3 C 2 T x ) shell aerogel spheres (MX-SA) for mercuric ion removal were designed and fabricated with varying concentrations of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene and sodium alginate (SA) using a facile method. Owing to their unique inside structures, high porosities, large specific surface areas, oxygenated functional groups of MXene nanosheets, and available active binding sites, the synthesized microspheres constitute a unique adsorbent for heavy metals removal in water. The MX-SA 4:20 spheres exhibit an exceptional adsorption capacity of 932.84 mg/g for Hg 2+ , which is among the highest value reported for adsorbents. The adsorbent exhibits high single-and multi-component removal efficiencies, with 100% efficiency for Hg 2+ and > 90% efficiency for five heavy metal ions. The synthesized materials are highly efficient for Hg 2+ removal under extreme pH conditions (0.5-1.0 M HNO 3 ) and have additional excellent reproducible properties. The micro-size and spherical shape of MX-SA 4:20 also allow it to be used in column-packed devices.

The rapid transmission tendency, severity, and wide geographical spread of newly emerged novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in different environmental matrices, including water, air, and soil, has posed severe health, environmental, energy, and economic challenges worldwide. Despite the severe health effects, unprecedented improvements in air quality in many countries due to emergency measures, and public behavior changes have been reported. SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in air and sewage samples in several studies across the globe. The use of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) could be a valuable method to monitor the outbreak of COVID-19, which requires fast and reliable methods for virus detection in sewage. However, water treatment companies face many pressures due to potential for aerosolization, PPE shortages, and changed usage patterns. In addition, the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the worldwide economy especially the energy sector, and its impact on our ecosystem required instant responses. This article discusses the recent developments and challenges faced in water, air, and energy resources, including renewables and non-renewables as the significant and interrelated components of the ecosystem. Furthermore, some recommendations have been directed, which may serve as a guideline to the scientists, legislators, and other stakeholders. A future roadmap has been proposed to overcome the tragic effects of COVID-19 and developing a sustainable environmental system to minimize the impact of such infectious outbreaks in the future.

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The 2D transition metal carbides/nitrides (2D MXenes) are a versatile class of 2D materials for photovoltaic (PV) systems. The numerous advantages of MXenes, including their excellent metallic conductivity, high optical transmittance, solution processability, tunable work-function, and hydrophilicity, make them suitable for deployment in PV technology. This comprehensive review focuses on the synthesis methodologies and properties of MXenes and MXene-based materials for PV systems. Titanium carbide MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x ), a well-known member of the MXene family, has been studied in many PV applications. Herein, the effectiveness of Ti 3 C 2 T x as an additive in different types of PV cells, and the synergetic impact of Ti 3 C 2 T x as an interfacial material on the photovoltaic performance of PV cells, are systematically examined. Subsequently, the utilization of Ti 3 C 2 T x as a transparent conductive electrode, and its influence on the stability of the PV cells, are discussed. This review also considers problems that emerged from previous studies, and provides guidelines for the further exploration of Ti 3 C 2 T x and other members of the 2D MXene family in PV technology. This timely study is expected to provide comprehensive understanding of the current status of MXenes, and to set the direction for the future development in 2D material design and processing for PVs.