Facile synthesis of a porous 3D g-C3N4 photocatalyst for the degradation of organics in shale gas brines

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.