Synthesis of Two-Dimensional Nanomaterial Based Hybrid Membrane for Antibiotic Removal from Wastewater

The presence of high concentrations of antibiotics in wastewater has paved the way for the development and spread of pathogens with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Coupled with the global water stress, this leads to adverse effects on both the environment and human health. Conventional wastewater treatment plants lack antibiotic removal efficiency, hence untreated wastewater eventually finds its way into groundwater or surface water. Nanomaterial-based membrane technology has shown outstanding characteristics, particularly two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials. In this study, graphene oxide (GO), MXene (Ti3C2Tx), and GO)/MXene composite (50% GO/Ti3C2Tx) membranes were fabricated by vacuum-assisted filtration for antibiotic removal from wastewater. The membranes’ rejection and permeability were tested. Membrane hydrophilicity and surface morphology were evaluated through water contact angle and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) respectively. When compared to pristine GO and Ti3C2Tx membranes, the composite GO/Ti3C2Tx membrane possessed a lamellar structure with a higher interlayer spacing and higher stability. Additionally, the fabricated membranes resulted in more effective tetracycline removal from water.