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

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.