High-temperature sintered 3D-printed alumina as mechanically robust supports for MOF catalysis

TL;DR

Researchers created strong 3D-printed alumina supports coated with MOFs for efficient catalysis, showing promise for applications like water treatment and chemical separations.

Contribution

A scalable method to integrate MOFs with mechanically robust, 3D-printed ceramics for catalytic applications.

Findings

MOF-808 on 3D-printed alumina rapidly degraded a nerve-agent simulant.

Grid-like geometries improved surface area and eliminated filtration needs.

Strong MOF adhesion was confirmed through cycling tests.

Abstract

We demonstrate the functionalization of high-temperature sintered, 3D-printed α-alumina ceramics with ZIF-8 and MOF-808 to create robust MOF–ceramic composites. Dense α-alumina sintered at 1450–1650 °C can be directly functionalized despite its low surface hydroxyl density. The composites unite MOF activity with the mechanical strength and design freedom of additive-manufactured ceramics. Using MOF-808, rapid and complete degradation of dimethyl-4-nitrophenyl phosphate (DMNP) was achieved, with cycling tests confirming strong MOF adhesion. Grid-like printed geometries provided high surface area and handling advantages, eliminating centrifugation and filtration required for powders. This work establishes a scalable platform for integrating MOFs with mechanically resilient, architected ceramics for further applications, such as catalysis, separations, and water treatment.

3D-printed and densely sintered α-alumina supports with high flexural strength were functionalized with ZIF-8 and MOF-808. The latter was used to catalyze the rapid degradation of nerve-agent simulant dimethyl-4-nitrophenyl phosphate.

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