Fused deposition modeling of functional nanohybrids: a transformative approach to sustainable water purification

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) has revolutionized the production of customized polymer-based components across industries. The integration of nanohybrid (NH) materials into polymer matrices has led to notable improvements in mechanical strength (up to 60 MPa), thermal stability (20–40 °C increase in degradation temperature), and adsorption efficiency (up to 210 mg/g for Pb²⁺ removal). This review analyzes the synergy between FDM and nanotechnology for creating multifunctional, sustainable polymers designed for wastewater treatment applications. NH-enhanced composites such as TiO₂–PLA and GO–PBS have demonstrated over 95% dye degradation and >99% antibacterial activity, offering potential for scalable 3D-printed filters, catalytic reactors, and membranes. Furthermore, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) frameworks, including Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and TOPSIS, are discussed as tools to select optimal material combinations balancing performance, cost, and environmental safety. The review outlines a roadmap for translating laboratory-scale NH–FDM innovations into real-world environmental solutions, emphasizing sustainability, safety, and long-term functionality in advanced water treatment systems.