The Role of Adsorption in Environmental Remediation Using MXene-Based Composites

Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and intensified agricultural activities have led to critical environmental challenges, particularly water contamination. Among the various treatment technologies, adsorption has emerged as an effective and economical method, especially for removing contaminants at low concentrations. This chapter reviews MXene-based composites, a novel class of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, as promising adsorbents for environmental remediation. Owing to their high surface area, hydrophilicity, and tunable surface chemistry, MXenes exhibit strong affinity toward a wide range of pollutants, including heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and radionuclides. This chapter discusses synthesis strategies (both top-down and bottom-up), material characterization, and the underlying adsorption mechanisms. Advances in composite engineering with polymers and metal oxides are highlighted to enhance adsorption performance and reusability. Key challenges, such as oxidation stability, regeneration efficiency, and the need for green synthesis approaches, are also addressed. These insights lay the groundwork for the future integration of MXene-based materials into advanced water treatment technologies.