A New Framework for 3D Printing Aerogels with Additives: Hardware and Ink Development.

ABSTRACT: The 3D printing of functional aerogels, particularly those incorporating additives, represents a transformative approach in materials science, enabling the creation of highly customizable structures with advanced properties. This study introduces a 3D printing methodology for fabricating aerogel structures infused with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles, designed to enhance photocatalytic and environmental remediation applications. A commercially available 3D printer was adapted with a custom syringe pump system, allowing precise control over the extrusion of a shear-thinning aerogel ink. The ink formulation, tailored for compatibility with the system, achieved homogeneous dispersion of TiO₂ nanoparticles (55-230 nm) within the silica aerogel matrix at 50 wt % rela

SUBMITTER: Okkabaz JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12809303 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature