3D-printed photoreactor with robust g-C3N4 homojunction based thermoset coating as a new and sustainable approach for photocatalytic wastewater treatment. Issue 6 (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Phang, Sue Jiun; Wong, Voon-Loong; Cheah, Kean How; Tan, Lling-Lling
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 9:Issue 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Wastewater treatment -- Photocatalysis -- Adsorption -- Homojunction graphitic carbon nitride-based thermoset coating -- 3D-printing technology; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.106437
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Abstract: Recently, the rapid technological advancement in photocatalysis has gained popularity as a means of addressing climate change and environmental degradation issues. The rapid surge in interest for 3D-printing process has delivered solutions for a broad spectrum of needs primarily due to its flexibility, cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness. In addition, the development in synergizing photocatalysis and 3D-printing technology has provided an optimistic outlook for sustainable wastewater treatment. In present study, a 3D-printed photocatalytic reactor was successfully designed and constructed via digital light processing technique. Besides that, a visible-light sensitive photocatalyst, graphitic carbon nitride homojunction was synthesized via a facile hydrothermal approach. The as-developed photocatalyst was then prepared in a form of thermoset coating and subsequently applied onto the base of 3D-printed photoreactor. A series of characterization tests were conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of the surface morphology and topology, chemical structure, thermal stability, elemental compositions, and surface wettability of the photocatalyst system. The photocatalytic performance of the graphitic carbon nitride homojunction-based thermoset coating was evaluated via Rhodamine B (RhB) dye degradation under the irradiation of a 50 W LED light. A removal efficiency of 95.62% was achieved within 24 h with a corresponding kinetic rate constant of 2.1 × 10 −3 min −1 . The recyclability of the photocatalytic system was verified by assessing its photoactivity for five consecutive cycles and retained 98.5% of its initial photoactivity. Overall, this research work may intrigue more exploration between interdisciplinary researchers in the field of photocatalysis and additive manufacturing, especially for sustainable environmental remediation. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: 3D-printed photocatalytic reactor was fabricated with high HDT and Eco UV clear resin via DLP technique. Immobilized layer of g-C3 N4 homojunction-based thermoset coating was applied. Eliminate the need for centrifugation during photoactivity assessment and regeneration. Photoactivity and adsorption were evaluated via RhB dye degradation under irradiation of visible light.