MXene and MXene-based hybrid materials for pharmaceutical-induced pollutants removal via adsorption and photocatalysis: A critical viewpoint
Ahmad Kamil Arshad, Sundas Riaz, Muhammad Dilawar Hussain, Ome Parkash Kumar, Khalil Ahmad, Tayyaba Najam, Aziz ur Rehman, Syed Shoaib Ahmad Shah, Muhammad Altaf Nazir, Muhammad Altaf Nazir
Abstract
Pharmacological chemicals found in wastewater have drawn a lot of interest because of the negative consequences they have on the surroundings and human health. Conventional wastewater treatment techniques frequently have trouble eliminating these lingering pollutants. Because of their distinct physical features, MXenes and MXene-based nanomaterials have become attractive options for the elimination of medicinal compounds in the last few years. This review article starts out by outlining the rising worry over the effects of pharmaceutical waste on environment and the general population in lakes and rivers. Following is a thorough analysis of MXenes and MXene-based substances, with an emphasis on their synthesis techniques, structural features, and surface attributes. Further, various ways in which these materials might be modified to improve their capacity for both adsorption and degradation of medicinal chemicals were also investigated in details. MXenes have a wide range of uses in water treatment, and their relationships with different medicinal contaminants are explained. Additionally, this study emphasizes the critical variables like, pH, temperature, and the availability of co-existing ions that affect the adsorption effectiveness of MXenes and MXene-based compounds. Finally, the current limitations and the latest advancements in MXene functionalization and modification to improve their efficacy in the elimination of medicinal compounds were also explored along with future perspectives.