Direct Writing and Controlling of Hierarchical Functional Metal-Oxides: Bio-inspired Multiphase Processing, 3D Printing and Hierarchical Cellular Structuring

摘要: Nature-inspired processing of complex reticular/cellular architected materials by selectively incorporating multiphase in emulsions with targeted interactions is reported this work. In particular, structuring TiO2 foams at different scales realized combining colloidal and 3D printing fundamental understanding the nanoparticle system. Specifically, hybrid TiO2/Ti-organic aqueous suspensions are emulsified bio-compatible naturally synthesized oil stabilizers where air bubbles trapped, forming cells wet foams, which subsequently directly written as planar three-dimensional free-standing spanning structures. Variations formulation these implemented to tune their viscosity render diverse cell morphologies (i.e., open- or closed-cell foam configurations) while controlling micro-, meso- macro-porosity. Investigation foams’ curing using heat versus UV light indicates differences emulsion’s oil-phase elimination mechanism effects microstructure, which, added characteristic relationships between microstructures photocatalytic activity, can be used target specific properties. Our synthesis method, adjusted from cosmetics industry, combines inorganic emulsion systems non-toxic abundant material precursors realize hierarchically ordered mesoporous titania foams. This method further exploited other metal-oxide even more meet needs currently growing technologic application fields. Moreover, we anticipate our family readily relevant for a plethora applications including catalysis, energy harvesting recovery, biomedical. Designed safe water-compatible, multi-phase marry high control over materials’ microstructure interfaces scalable, affordable responsible manufacturing.