Applications of MXene-based nanomaterials for the removal of inorganic contaminants from water: A review

Abstract

The industrialization and expansion of nuclear technologies have accelerated the release of heavy metals, radionuclides, and other toxic inorganics into aquatic environments, emphasizing the need for advanced remediation strategies. Adsorption is noteworthy because of its efficiency, operational simplicity, selectivity, regeneration potential, and broad applicability. The performance limitations of traditional adsorbents have prompted research on MXene-based nanomaterials, whose hydrophilicity, high surface area, and tunable surface functional groups enable effective interactions with numerous inorganic contaminants. MXenes also exhibit versatile surface properties that support electrostatic attraction, ion exchange, surface complexation, and redox processes. However, constraints such as layer restacking, limited access to active sites, and sensitivity to environmental factors including pH, background ions, and temperature remain. These limitations highlight the importance of surface modification and interlayer engineering. Accordingly, this review summarizes the current knowledge on MXene-based adsorbents for heavy metals, radionuclides, and other inorganic contaminants, focusing on their performance under realistic water conditions and regeneration strategies. The discussion is structured into sections addressing adsorbent properties and synthesis methods, adsorption mechanisms, the effects of water quality parameters, and techno-economic considerations for reuse. Therefore, this review provides a framework for the design of MXene-based adsorbents and suggests directions for future research. © 2026 Elsevier B.V.