3D printed structures help chemically remove pollution

Scientists at American University in Washington D.C. have 3D printed chemically active structures embedded with nanoparticles that help to combat pollution.

The research, published in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials, involved combining plastic with chemically active titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. Using an off-the-shelf thermoplastic 3D printer, the resaearchers then created a small polymer matrix about the size of a bath sponge.

TiO2 reacts with natural sunlight to break up pollutants and has potential applications in the removal of pollution from air, water and agricultural sources. To demonstrate pollution mitigation, the researchers placed the matrix in water and added an organic molecule, which was then observed to be destroyed. The TiO2 also photocatalysed the degradation of a rhodamine 6G (tracer dye) in solution. According to the paper’s authors, this is the first time a commercial 3D printer has been used to create materials with active chemistry.