Metal 3D printing technology for functional integration of catalytic system

Mechanical properties and geometries of printed products have been extensively studied in metal 3D printing. However, chemical properties and catalytic functions, introduced by metal 3D printing itself, are rarely mentioned. Here we show that metal 3D printing products themselves can simultaneously serve as chemical reactors and catalysts (denoted as self-catalytic reactor or SCR) for direct conversion of C1 molecules (including CO, CO2 and CH4) into high value-added chemicals. The Fe-SCR and Co-SCR successfully catalyze synthesis of liquid fuel from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and CO2 hydrogenation; the Ni-SCR efficiently produces syngas (CO/H2) by CO2 reforming of CH4. Further, the Co-SCR geometrical studies indicate that metal 3D printing itself can establish multiple control functions to tune the catalytic product distribution. The present work provides a simple and low-cost manufacturing method to realize functional integration of catalyst and reactor, and will facilitate the developments of chemical synthesis and 3D printing technology.