Synthesis of Ti3C2Tx MXene/Cu-MOF composites for enhanced adsorption of methyl phenyl sulfide†

The development of efficient materials for adsorption desulfurization has attracted much attention for the safety of humans and the ecosystem. Metal–organic frameworks have shown promise in removing organic sulfur compounds in liquid fuels, while another star material – MXene has rarely been applied in this field. In this study, Ti₃C₂T_x MXene/Cu-MOF composites with different MXene contents (3.3%, 6.7%, and 13.3%) were synthesized via an in situ precipitation method. Characterization showed that the Cu-MOF was successfully coated on the surface of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene and partially embedded between the MXene nanosheets, restraining the agglomeration of both MXene and the Cu-MOF. The optimal composite-3.3%MXene/Cu-MOF presented the largest surface area of 166.6 m² g⁻¹. Compared to MXene and Cu-MOF, 3.3%MXene/Cu-MOF exhibited an enhanced adsorption performance for methyl phenyl sulfide in the model fuel with an equilibrium adsorption capacity of 87.4 mg g⁻¹. Furthermore, the effects of adsorption parameters, adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms, and the adsorption mechanism, and regenerative performance of 3.3%MXene/Cu-MOF were comprehensively discussed. A pseudo-second order kinetic model and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm were found to better explicate the adsorption behavior on 3.3%MXene/Cu-MOF, which exhibited a theoretical maximum adsorption capacity of 183.9 mg g⁻¹. This work hopes to shed light on the material design for adsorption desulfurization.