Facile synthesis of a porous 3D g-C3N4 photocatalyst for the degradation of organics in shale gas brines
Graham J. Hutchings, Philip R. Davies, Samuel Pattisson, Thomas E. Davies, David Morgan, Mbongiseni W. Dlamini
Abstract
Treatment and subsequent re-use of wastewater from shale gas extraction is a feasible strategy to ensure sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of the process. Here we demonstrate the photocatalytic benefits of improved three-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride (3D g-C3N4) during the degradation of organic contaminants. We show that precursor ratio (melamine to cyanuric acid) affects both the properties of 3D g-C3N4 as well as catalytic performance. When optimized, 3D g-C3N4 displayed the highest organics removal rate in brine-free solutions, achieving 99% conversion within 240 min. Significantly, the 3D g-C3N4 materials improved photocatalytic activity even in simulated shale gas brine solutions.