Science Inventory

A review on 3D printing techniques for environmental applications

Citation:

Nadagouda, M., M. Ginn, AND V. Rastogi. A review on 3D printing techniques for environmental applications. Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering. Elsevier BV, AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, 28:173-178, (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coche.2020.08.002

Impact/Purpose:

As 3D printing becomes more prominent, it has presented new opportunities for sustainable manufacturing, air pollution monitoring and filtering, water, and wastewater treatment, and renewable energy. This short review compiles that effort.

Description:

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a method of manufacturing three-dimensional objects by joining materials layer-by-layer under the direction of a computer. With a wide variety of printable materials and manufacturing processes, 3D printing is becoming increasingly useful in environmental applications. This technology allows for more customizable products, complex structures, and lightweight design, supporting improvements to separation devices, sensors, alternative energy technologies, and more. 3D printing also supports sustainable manufacturing by reducing waste, energy demand, and carbon emissions. The significant advantages are speed, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, risk reduction, and accessibility.