Novel ultrafiltration membrane with MXene nanosheet/zinc oxide for water purification with high performance and enhanced antifouling properties

Water scarcity is a pressing global issue, and developing sustainable methods for water treatment is crucial. Ultrafiltration membranes are essential for efficient water purification, but their development faces challenges such as flux performance and fouling. This study aims to address these challenges by incorporating MXene and zinc oxide (ZnO) into polymeric membranes. The synthesis of MXene was confirmed through X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) analyses. The effects of ZnO@MXene content on membrane performance were evaluated through porosity calculations, FE-SEM, XRD, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Atomic Force Microscope, and Water contact angle (WCA) analysis. The mechanical properties of the membrane were also assessed. The results show that the presence of nanoparticles significantly improved the water flux (433.7 L/m2.h), which was 3.9 times higher than that of the pristine membrane. Moreover, the antifouling properties of the membrane were enhanced with the addition of ZnO@MXene, resulting in a flux recovery rate of 97.6% and a BSA (bovine serum albumin) model fouling rejection of over 90%. This study contributes to the advancement of ultrafiltration membrane technology by demonstrating a novel approach to enhance membrane performance and antifouling properties.