Simple Preparation of Metal-Impregnated FDM 3D-Printed Structures

Abstract

Modifying the natural characteristics of PLA 3D-printed models is of interest in various research areas in which 3D-printing is applied. Thus, in this study, we describe the simple impregnation of FDM 3D-printed PLA samples with well-defined silver nanoparticles and an iron metal salt. Quasi-spherical and dodecahedra silver particles were strongly attached at the channels of 3D-printed milli-fluidic reactors to demonstrate their attachment and interaction with the flow, as an example. Furthermore, Fenton-like reactions were successfully developed by an iron catalyst impregnated in 3D-printed stirrer caps to induce the degradation of a dye and showed excellent reproducibility.

Revolutionizing Lab‐Scale Electrochemical Reactors: Innovative Breakthroughs With 3D Printing Fabrication

“…For instance, Diana Flores et al have created PLA pieces impregnated with silver nanoparticles and metallic iron salts for the Fenton process in dye degradation, while D'accolti et al designed complex structures of monolithic catalysts with iron oxide coatings to enhance oxidant production in organic compound degradation processes, including catalyst recovery post-use, making the process more efficient. [64,65] Again, in these works the material stability is not evaluated, even when it is well known that the stability of PLA is poor. Although good results are achieved in these applications of 3D printing to electrochemical devices, more attention must be paid to the stability, for instance performing longer or repetitive experiments in which the performance over time is evaluated.…”

“…have created PLA pieces impregnated with silver nanoparticles and metallic iron salts for the Fenton process in dye degradation, while D'accolti et al. designed complex structures of monolithic catalysts with iron oxide coatings to enhance oxidant production in organic compound degradation processes, including catalyst recovery post‐use, making the process more efficient [64,65] . Again, in these works the material stability is not evaluated, even when it is well known that the stability of PLA is poor.…”

The Role of 3D Printing in the Development of a Catalytic System for the Heterogeneous Fenton Process

“…To produce the 3D-printed model catalysts using PLA, the most common techniques are mechanically mixed dyes, soluble drugs, and metal salt precursors mixed with the polymer before hot melting extrusion, but it is certainly much easier to use the models as scaffold for a catalytic solid coating. [ 15 ].…”

“…The chosen architecture adds advantages to the total process because it increases the exposed surface area of the 3D-printed object [ 19 ] and it is also easy to print [ 20 ]. This approach is highly innovative and has few precedents, as 3D-printed porous Mg/Cu catalysts used in the degradation of rhodamine B in a Fenton-like catalyst approach [ 21 ], and a more recent paper showed it is possible to prepare iron-impregnated PLA for the 3D-printed milli-fluidic reactors able to give the Fenton reaction in abatement of methylene blue as a model compound [ 15 ].…”