(383ar) Hierarchically-Structured Sorbents with Improved Capacity and Mass Transfer Characteristic 3D-Printed from Reactive Polymers

Adsorptive materials represent a promising approach for the separation of contaminants and recovery of resources within wastewater due to its high efficiency and environmental sustainability. The three-dimensional (3D) printing method has become a popular research topic due to its ability to efficiently fabricate diverse sorbent structures aimed at enhancing adsorption properties. In this study, the 3D printing technique was integrated with surface segregation and vapor-induced phase separation (SVIPS) methodology to engineer hierarchically structure sorbents based on reactive poly(phenolphthalein)-based (PPH-based) polymers. A combination of water and cellulose nanocrystal were used as additives to modify the thermodynamic and rheological characteristics of the polymer solution such that it could be 3D printed while concurrently maintaining a highly porous surface morphology. Compared to the single layer membrane, the multi-layer sorbent achieved an improved overall binding capacity without compromising the rapid mass transfer properties or permeability. Exploration into the characteristics of additives and 3D structural design serves to enhance both the adsorptive efficacy and the structural integrity of membranes. The enhancement enables membranes to function effectively in challenging environments, thereby expanding their utility in diverse wastewater treatment and resource recovery applications.