Chiang Mai Journal of Science

     The widespread contamination of industrial wastewater with synthetic dyes presents a serious environmental challenge, impacting ecosystems, water quality, and public health. Developing 3D-printed polymeric resin composites embedded with g-C₃N₄ nanosheet scaffolds that were fabricated by stereolithography (SLA) technique for wastewater treatment applications. In this research, we enhanced the physicochemical characteristics of bulk g-C₃N₄ via direct thermal delamination. Structural analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystalline phase of g-C₃N₄, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed the nanosheets' morphology, with an average thickness conducive to high surface activity. The adsorption behavior of both bulk g-C₃N₄ and exfoliated g-C₃N₄ scaffolds was evaluated in the dark for 16 hours to ensure the attainment of adsorption equilibrium. Photocatalytic testing was performed under UV light (λ = 365 nm). After 8 hours of UV exposure, the dye removal efficiency of the 3D-printed composites against MB dyes reached 78%, 83%, 84%, and 86%, respectively, demonstrating their potential for effective dye removal. The results highlight the effectiveness of 3D-printed g-C3N4/polymeric resin composites as a viable solution for dye-contaminated wastewater, advancing sustainable treatment methods and contributing to environmental conservation and cleaner industrial processes.