3D printed microchannel loaded with hematite nanoadsorbent for fluoride removal from water

•3D printed microchannels were fabricated and loaded with synthesized hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoadsorbent.•The synthesized α-Fe2O3 nanoadsorbent was tested for the removal of fluoride from water.•Fluoride removal efficiency of the microchannels was analysed. 3D printed microchannels were loaded with α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles for fluoride removal from water. Devices having 35 microchannels of 2 and 1.5 mm diameter were fabricated and loaded with 4 and 3 g of nanoadsorbent respectively. Hematite nanoadsorbent used shown good fluoride removal efficiency with a defluoridation capacity of 2.5 mg/g (3 mg/L fluoride concentration, 4 g adsorbent, 1 mL/min flow rate at 25 °C and 7 pH). The customized and compact 3D devices could be an alternative for traditional columns being used for effective fluoride removal from water.