Synthesis of self-assembled phytic acid-MXene nanocomposites via a facile hydrothermal approach with elevated dye adsorption capacities

[Display omitted] •We developed new MXene-based composite materials via hydrothermal method.•PA-MXene composites prepared by different hydrothermal time exhibited different morphologies and adsorption properties.•PA-MXene composites exhibited enhanced adsorption for MB and RhB.•This work provides clues for potential applications of self-assembled materials in wastewater treatment. In recent years, new family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbide and carbonitrides-MXene has become critical materials due to their excellent structure and performance. Herein, we have investigated the synthesis of a new MXene-based composite material for efficient dye adsorption in sewage treatment, via a facile hydrothermal method. The characterization of the phytic acid (PA)-MXene composites showed that new rod-like Ti(OH)PO4 components appeared in the hydrothermal process. In addition, compared with the original MXene, the prepared PA-MXene composite exhibited enhanced adsorption properties for the model dyes MB and RhB, and the adsorption capacity of the PA-MXene composite on MB remained at about 85 % after 12 cycles, indicating important potential as an adsorbent material in wastewater treatment.