3D printed ceramic ink can soak up harmful chemicals and acid from water supplies

University of Bath generates 3D printed ceramic ink monolith

Engineers at the University of Bath have turned to 3D printing to remove the so-called ‘forever chemicals’ from water supplies. Using this technology, they’ve generated ceramic-infused lattices, or ‘monoliths’, that can remove at least 75 percent of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from water, among other substances. These 3D-printed structures are made of ink mixed with ceramic indium oxide, which can bond with the acids in the water. A 3D printer squeezes out this formula and forms a lattice structure, manufacturing the monoliths.

The engineers say that because of the indium oxide and its properties that bond with the acids, chemicals in the water supplies and bodies can immediately stick to these 3D-printed structures, thus being removed from them. The team adds that the operation can be done in under three hours and that this study and method are compatible with current water treatment plants in the UK and abroad. If proven successful, the 3D-printed ceramic ink could help eliminate harmful chemicals in water.

all images courtesy of the researchers and University of Bath

Ceramic ink can remove up to 75 percent of chemicals

After testing, the researchers have discovered that their 3D-printed ceramic ink can remove up to 75 percent of harmful chemicals from water supplies. These monoliths even become more effective at vacuuming these perfluorooctanoic acids the more they are used. This is because the filters go through a high-temperature cleaning process after each use, which seems to improve their performance. The next step for the researchers is to study why the chemical filters work better with each use, so they plan to do more tests to figure it out.

‘Using 3D printing to create the monoliths is relatively simple, and it also means the process should be scalable. Once the monoliths are ready, you simply drop them into the water and let them do their work. It’s very exciting and something we are keen to develop further and see in use,’ says Dr. Liana Zoumpouli, a Research Associate in Bath’s Department of Chemical Engineering and a member of the Centre for Digital Manufacturing and Design.

microsopic view of indium oxide in the 3D printed ceramic ink monolith | image via Science Direct

3D printed monoliths to speed up chemical breakdown

In some places, especially in the US and Europe, there are already rules regarding how much perfluorooctanoic acid can be in drinking water and other supplies. It is one of the most common perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and even if there are already rules in place, the scientists believe that they may not be enough, given how dangerous these chemicals can be to health. They add that stricter laws or regulations are likely to be introduced in the future to better protect people from these health risks.

These substances are known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they take a very long time to break down. In some cases, the process can even take over 1,000 years. These perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are man-made. They are known to be harmful to reproductive, developmental, and cardiovascular systems as well as increasing the likelihood of diabetes. Some of the sources of these substances include domestic products, often with water-repellent properties, such as non-stick pans, raincoats, paints, fabrics, and firefighting foams.

detailed view of indium oxide in the 3D printed ceramic ink monoliths