Photochemically Activated 3D Printing Inks: Current Status, Challenges, and Opportunities.

Area of Science:

• Photochemistry
• Materials Science
• 3D Printing

Background:

• 3D printing using light relies on photochemistry to form covalent bonds.
• Controlling light wavelength and intensity is crucial for advanced photoresist functions like degradability and rapid printing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically assess recent advances in photoresist design for light-driven 3D printing.
• To provide an outlook on challenges and opportunities in this field.

Main Methods:

• Classifying photoresists based on whether they function photoinitiator-free or require a photoinitiator.
• Analyzing the efficiency of photon-induced covalent bond generation.

Main Results:

• Photoinitiator-free and photoinitiator-dependent photoresists offer distinct advantages and disadvantages.
• Fine control over photochemical processes enables the design of functional photoresists.

Conclusions:

• The development of advanced photoresists is essential for unlocking the full potential of light-driven 3D printing.
• Further research is needed to overcome existing challenges and explore new opportunities in photoresist design.