# Modeling and Optimization of MXene/PVC Membranes for Enhanced Water Treatment Performance

## TL;DR

This paper explores using MXene-modified PVC membranes to improve the removal of lead ions from wastewater through modeling and optimization.

## Contribution

The study introduces a systematic optimization approach to enhance MXene/PVC membranes for efficient Pb2+ removal in water treatment.

## Key findings

- Optimized conditions achieved high Pb2+ rejection and stable permeability.
- MXene addition improved membrane hydrophilicity, porosity, and fouling resistance.
- Key parameters like pH, pressure, and MXene content significantly affect membrane performance.

## Abstract

In this paper, MXene nanosheets were used as nano additives for the preparation of MXene-modified polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mixed max membranes (MMMs) for the rejection of lead (Pb2+) ions from wastewater. MXene nanosheets were introduced into the PVC matrix to enhance membrane performance, hydrophilicity, contact angle, porosity, and resistance to fouling. Modeling and optimization techniques were used to examine the effects of important operational and fabrication parameters, such as pH, contaminant concentration, nanoadditive (MXene) content, and operating pressure. Predictive models were developed using experimental data to assess the membranes’ performance in terms of flux and Pb2+ rejection. The ideal circumstances that struck a balance between long-term operating stability and high removal efficiency were found through multi-variable optimization. The optimized conditions for the best rejection of Pb2+ ions and the most stable permeability over time among the membranes that were manufactured were the initial metal ions concentration (2 mg/L), pH (7.89), pressure (2.99 bar), and MXene mass (0.3 g). The possibility of combining MXene nanoparticles with methodical optimization techniques to create efficient membranes for the removal of heavy metals in wastewater treatment applications is highlighted by this work.