Iron oxide (Fe 3 O 4 )-laden titanium carbide (Ti 3 C 2 T x ) MXene stacks for the efficient sequestration of cationic dyes from aqueous solution.

We prepared two-dimensional (2D) stack-structured magnetic iron oxide (FeO) nanoparticle anchored titanium carbide (TiCT) MXene material (TiCT/FeO). It was used as a potential adsorbent to remove carcinogenic cationic dyes, such as methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (Rh B), from aqueous solutions. TiCT/FeO exhibited maximum adsorption capacities of 153 and 86 mg g for MB and Rh B dyes, respectively. Batch adsorption experimental data fits the Langmuir model well, revealing monolayer adsorption of MB and Rh B onto the adsorption sites of TiCT/FeO. Additionally, TiCT/FeO showed rapid MB/Rh B adsorption kinetics and attained equilibrium within 45 min. Moreover, TiCT/FeO demonstrated recyclability over four cycles with high stability due to the presence of magnetic FeO nanoparticles. Furthermore, it exhibited remarkable selectivities of 91% and 88% in the presence of co-existing cationic and anionic dyes, respectively. Given the extraordinary adsorption capacities, TiCT/FeO may be a promising material for the effective removal of cationic dyes from aqueous media.