Transforming Ti3C2Tx MXene’s intrinsic hydrophilicity into superhydrophobicity for efficient photothermal membrane desalination

Baoping Zhang, Pak Wai Wong, Jiaxin Guo, Yongsen Zhou, Yang Wang, Jiawei Sun, Mengnan Jiang, Zuankai Wang () and Alicia Kyoungjin An ()
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Baoping Zhang: City University of Hong Kong
Pak Wai Wong: City University of Hong Kong
Jiaxin Guo: City University of Hong Kong
Yongsen Zhou: City University of Hong Kong
Yang Wang: City University of Hong Kong
Jiawei Sun: City University of Hong Kong
Mengnan Jiang: City University of Hong Kong
Zuankai Wang: City University of Hong Kong
Alicia Kyoungjin An: City University of Hong Kong

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Owing to its 100% theoretical salt rejection capability, membrane distillation (MD) has emerged as a promising seawater desalination approach to address freshwater scarcity. Ideal MD requires high vapor permeate flux established by cross-membrane temperature gradient (∆T) and excellent membrane durability. However, it’s difficult to maintain constant ∆T owing to inherent heat loss at feedwater side resulting from continuous water-to-vapor transition and prevent wetting transition-induced membrane fouling and scaling. Here, we develop a Ti3C2Tx MXene-engineered membrane that imparts efficient localized photothermal effect and strong water-repellency, achieving significant boost in freshwater production rate and stability. In addition to photothermal effect that circumvents heat loss, high electrically conductive Ti3C2Tx MXene also allows for self-assembly of uniform hierarchical polymeric nanospheres on its surface via electrostatic spraying, transforming intrinsic hydrophilicity into superhydrophobicity. This interfacial engineering renders energy-efficient and hypersaline-stable photothermal membrane distillation with a high water production rate under one sun irradiation.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31028-6

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