3D printing assemble technology toward advanced photocatalysis

Three-dimensional (3D) printing methods offer an optimized path for fabricating semiconductor photocatalyst systems utilized for hydrogen production, chemical synthesis, and degradation of contaminants. 3D photocatalysts are evolving from extrusion molding and 3D printing into 3D printed transparent ceramics. After a diligent exploration of 3D printed photocatalysts, fabrication of complex 3D structures with precise dimensions spanning from nanoscale, microscale to macroscale is greatly considered as an important approach for photocatalysts and has aroused great scientific interest. To document recent advances in 3D printed photocatalytic materials and systems, this review discusses traditional and up to date 3D printing technologies and their applications, especially for monolithic photocatalysts, LED reactor and microchannel reactors. It emphasizes their main accomplishments and the challenges and goals of residual research. This work places emphasis on the design and photocatalytic performance of geometric and topology optimized structures with characteristic dimensions. Various 3D printing approaches are summarized, including their material requirements, advantages, weaknesses, and typical purpose.