Enhanced photocatalytic activity of triply periodic minimal surface lattices

In this study, we performed the first global illumination simulations on a series of glass-based TPMS lattices. These included various lattice types, diamond, FKS, FRD, gyroid, IWP, and primitive, and different relative densities. When exposed to incident light, the photocatalyst supports undergo temperature variations and volumetric heat source changes, which significantly influence the photocatalytic reaction rate. Additionally, von Mises stress is generated, which is crucial for the structural stability of the photocatalyst supports. Using COMSOL software, we analyzed these TPMS lattices under incident light. The TPMS structures were illuminated by parallel light beams, leading to heating from the incident rays and subsequent changes in von Mises stress and volumetric heat sources. The results indicate that the 20 % relative density primitive model exhibits nearly the highest volumetric heat of 1.93 mW/mm³, the lowest von Mises stress of 15.3 kPa, and moderate temperature of 330.5 K-an ideal combination for common photocatalytic reactions that does not require specialized materials to prevent high-temperature cracking. Conversely, the FRD, FKS, diamond, gyroid, and IWP models are less preferable for such reactions. The equation governing the primitive structure is simpler than any other equations, resulting in low tortuosity, low stress, and high volumetric heat.