Multiscale Intercalation Strategies for Reconstructing Lamellar MXene Membranes.

Abstract

Lamellar MXene membranes, constructed by stacking MXene nanosheets to form two-dimensional nanochannels with ultrafast transport and sieving ability, have emerged as a promising platform for molecular and ionic separations as well as osmotic energy harvesting. However, the performance of these MXene membranes is often constrained by swelling-induced unstable nanochannels and monotonous chemistry environments within nanochannels. One of the most effective routes to these challenges lies in the incorporation of functional intercalation matters into the confined nanochannels of MXene, which not only orchestrate interlayer spacing and nanochannel chemistry but also improve stability by forming multiple interactions with neighboring nanosheets. Over the past decade, a series of multiscale intercalation matters have been designed and explored, mainly spanning from ions to small molecules, polymers, and nanomaterials. Despite significant achievements, a timely and comprehensive review that systematically elucidates how various multiscale intercalation matters reconstruct MXene membranes is missing. In this review, we discuss recent advances in intercalation strategies for lamellar MXene membranes, categorized by the chemical nature and dimensionality of the intercalating matters. We underscore their critical roles in modulating both the structural and chemical features of nanochannels, and we systematically analyze the corresponding effects on transport behavior and separation performance. Finally, some key unresolved challenges and future directions are highlighted to guide the design and synthesis of high-performance lamellar MXene membranes.

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