Ti3C2TX MXene Fluids-Mediated Janus Nanofiber Membranes for High Oil/Water Separation

Electrospun nanofiber membranes are highly efficient materials for oil–water separation, but the development of membranes with high purification efficiency, durability, and multifunctionality still faces huge challenges. Here, Ti 3 C 2 T X MXene-like fluids (MXfs) were prepared by ion-exchange reaction, using Ti 3 C 2 T X MXene as the nucleus and silanized quaternary ammonium salts and poly (oxyethylene ether) long chains as the bimolecular organic shell layer. The Janus fiber membrane with opposite surface wetting properties on both sides of PAN/MXfs-PVDF was prepared by mixing with PAN and PVDF solutions using the electrostatic spinning technique. The organic long chains on the surface of MXfs have obvious emulsifying effects, and the results show that the Janus fiber membrane exhibits high separation flux (1449.6 L m −2 h −1 ) and separation efficiency (> 95%) in the oil–water emulsion separation process. In addition, after several cycles, the Janus fiber membrane still maintains good cycling stability, and the flux of oil–water emulsion is maintained at 83% ~ 92% of the original flux, and the cycling efficiency is still not less than 95%, which is excellent in the field of oil–water separation and related applications. Highlights MXene NFs with good dispersion and processability successfully obtained. Janus fiber membrane fabricated via electrostatic spinning for oil–water separation. Membrane shows high separation flux (1449.6 L m −2 h −1 ) and efficiency (> 95%). Good cycling stability with high flux and efficiency after multiple cycles.