Recent Advances in MXene‐based Separation Membranes

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials with unique atomic thickness are promising candidate for high performance separation membrane. Several 2D materials such as graphene, graphene oxide (GO), metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent frameworks (COFs), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), etc have been studied as a separation membrane due to their outstanding properties such as high mechanical strength, large surface area, good chemical and thermal stability, ease of functionalization, and hydrophilic surface. Recently, transition metal carbide also known as MXene, a new member of layered membrane family has attended significant interest in water purification, desalination, gas separation, and pervaporation. Herein, the most recent advances in 2D MXene‐based membranes from both experimental and computational aspects are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on materials' structures, properties, fabrication methods, and potential applications in membrane technology. Finally, this review closes with several recommendation and new directions in this research area. The latest advances on MXene‐based lamellar membranes and their applications in desalination, water purification, gas separation, and pervaporation are reviewed. Strengths and weaknesses of various fabrication methods are discussed and summarized. Finally, current challenges and future research direction are highlighted.