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Updated: Sep 11, 2025

Process of Making Three-dimensional Microstructures using Vaporization of a Sacrificial Component
Published on: November 2, 2013
Tailored 3D Lattice SAPO-34/S-PEEK Composite Sorbents by Additive Manufacturing for Sorption Heat Transformation
Gabriele Marabello1, Emanuela Mastronardo1, Davide Palamara1
1Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada di Dio Sant'Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy.
Abstract:
The development of high-performance adsorbent materials is crucial for any sorption-based energy conversion process. In such a context, composite sorbent materials, although promising in terms of performance and stability, are often challenging to shape into complex geometries. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, has emerged as a powerful technique for fabricating intricate structures with tailored properties. In this paper, an innovative three-dimensional structure, constituted by zeolite as filler and sulfonated polyether ether ketone as matrix, was obtained using additive manufacturing technology, which is mainly suitable for sorption-based energy conversion processes. The lattice structure was tailored in order to optimize the synthesis procedure and material stability. The complex three-dimensional lattice structure was obtained without a metal or plastic reinforcement support. The composite structure was evaluated to assess its structural integrity using morphological analysis. Furthermore, the adsorption/desorption capacity was evaluated using water-vapor adsorption isobars at 11 mbar at equilibrium in the temperature range 30-120 °C, confirming good adsorption/desorption capacity.

