A process for 3D printing graphene-based aerogels offers scope for producing stable and scalable structures for water filtration.

University at Buffalo researchers combined a graphene-based ink with polydopamine, a polymer similar to the adhesive secretions of mussels, and bovine serum albumin. Following 3D printing of a hexagon-shaped mesh, the structure was freeze-dried into an aerogel.

The aerogel was demonstrated to effectively remove lead, chromium and other heavy metals from water. A process for 3D printing graphene-based aerogels offers scope for producing stable, scalable structures for water filtration. Source: Nirupam Aich et al./Environmental Science: NanoA process for 3D printing graphene-based aerogels offers scope for producing stable, scalable structures for water filtration. Source: Nirupam Aich et al./Environmental Science: NanoOrganic dyes such as cationic methylene blue and anionic Evans blue, as well as organic solvents such as hexane and toluene, were also efficiently recovered during water treatment tests.

A long-service life was also observed, as the material removed 100% of organic solvents through 10 treatment cycles. However, effectiveness in capturing methylene blue declined by up to 20% after the third regeneration and reuse cycle.

The researchers plan to embed nanometal particles in the aerogel to enable destruction or removal of both biological and chemical contaminants.

A paper on this development is published in Environmental Science: Nano.

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