3D-printing of hierarchical porous ZSM-5: The importance of the binder system. (15th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lefevere, J.; Protasova, L.; Mullens, S.; Meynen, V.
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 134(2017)
• Page Start: 331
• Page End: 341
• Publication Date: 2017-11-15
• Subjects: ZSM-5 -- Structured catalyst -- Shaping -- 3-D printing -- Mechanical strength; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2017.08.044
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: Intelligent catalyst design can help to further improve the stability, selectivity and activity of existing adsorbents and catalysts. The use of 3D-printing for manufacturing of structured supports is a useful tool for the rapid prototyping of different compositions and different architectures of structured adsorbents and catalysts. Despite their proven advantages in use as adsorbents and catalytic supports with respect to heat and mass transfer and pressure drop, coated structured supports still encompass some such as loading of catalyst. To overcome these drawbacks, in this work, 3D-printed monoliths were manufactured directly using ZSM-5 as active material to build up the structured adsorbent or catalyst. As sufficient mechanical strength of such structures is crucial for the use in industry, this was one of the main focus points in this work. A combined binary binder system is shown to be advantageous for the adjustment of the mechanical properties of the self-supporting structured material. Furthermore, the chemical properties can be adjusted according to the binder used. Graphical abstract: Highlights: A method for robocasting of zeolite self-supporting structures with sufficient mechanical strength is proposed. Significant improvement in mechanical stability is achieved by using combinations of binders. The binders show an impact on the porosity and acidic properties of the final material. The 3D-architecture and composition of the structure can be modified in function of the application.