# Binder-Free Direct Ink Writing of a Concentrated Dispersion of One-Dimensional Lepidocrocite Titanate Nanofilaments

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method to print high-concentration nanofilament dispersions without binders, enabling precise and stable 3D structures.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is achieving and printing 150 g/L lepidocrocite nanofilament dispersions, the highest concentration reported for DIW.

## Key findings

- 1DL nanofilament dispersions at 150 g/L were successfully produced and printed.
- Printed structures showed high dimensional accuracy and structural integrity.
- The binder-free nematic gel can be used to create functional materials and devices.

## Abstract

Direct ink writing (DIW) of nanomaterial dispersions
enables the
production of structures and devices that combine the benefits of
the nanomaterial properties with use-specific manufacturing designs.
However, printing nanomaterial inks requires the ability to produce
stable dispersions at concentrations high enough to meet the rheological
criteria for DIW. Herein, we report on DIW of one-dimensional lepidocrocite
(1DL) nanofilament, NF, dispersions at concentrations of 150 g/L,
which are much greater than previously achieved concentrations. Moreover,
the
resulting birefringent, binder-free nematic gel can be printed into
standard test patterns with outstanding dimensional accuracy, structural
integrity, and shape fidelity. Both the ability to directly produce
higher concentrations and the ability to print them open new opportunities
for the production of functional 1DL materials and devices.