Application of three-dimensional printing technology in environmental analysis: A review

The development of environmental analysis devices with high performance is essential to assess the potential risks of environmental pollutants. However, it is still challenging to develop environmental analysis equipment with miniaturization, portability, and high sensitivity based on traditional processing techniques. In recent years, the popularity of 3D printing technology (3DP) with high precision, low cost, and unlimited design freedom has provided opportunities to solve the existing challenges of environmental analysis. 3D printing has brought solutions to promote the high performance and versatility of environmental analysis equipment by optimizing printing materials, enhancing equipment structure, and integrating multidisciplinary technology. In this paper, we comprehensively review the latest progress in 3D printing in various aspects of environmental analysis procedures, including but not limited to sample collection, pretreatment, separation, and detection. We highlight their advantages and challenges in determining various environmental contaminants through passive sampling, solid-phase extraction, chromatographic separation, and mass spectrometry detection. The manufacturing of 3D-printed environmental analysis devices is also discussed. Finally, we look forward to their development prospects and challenges.