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Low-carbon indoor humidity regulation via 3D-printed superhygroscopic building components

Author

Listed:
  • Magda Posani

    (ETH Zürich
    Aalto University)

  • Vera Voney

    (ETH Zürich
    Oxara AG - Sustainable construction and affordable housing)

  • Pietro Odaglia

    (ETH Zurich)

  • Yi Du

    (ETH Zürich
    Empa)

  • Anastasija Komkova

    (ETH Zürich)

  • Coralie Brumaud

    (ETH Zürich)

  • Benjamin Dillenburger

    (ETH Zurich)

  • Guillaume Habert

    (ETH Zürich)

Abstract

Indoor humidity can significantly impact our comfort and well-being, often leading to the use of mechanical systems for its management. However, these systems can result in substantial carbon emissions and energy precarity. This study offers an alternative: using low-carbon materials that naturally buffer moisture to passively regulate the indoor humidity. A geopolymer composite incorporating industrial waste is implemented via binder jet 3D printing technology. The superhygroscopic nature of the material, combined with the optimal geometry of 3D-printed components, unlocks remarkable potential for passive humidity regulation, achieving a moisture buffering value over 14 g·m⁻²·%RH⁻¹. The use of 3D-printed, geopolymer tiles for surface finishing in a library hosting 15 people was shown to improve annual indoor hygrometric comfort by up to 85%, a performance inconceivable with conventional materials and techniques. Additionally, the environmental impact of these tiles is significantly lower than that of a conventional dehumidification system. This study paves the way for merging highly hygroscopic, low-carbon materials with advanced manufacturing techniques to regulate indoor humidity levels and reduce our dependency on mechanical systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Magda Posani & Vera Voney & Pietro Odaglia & Yi Du & Anastasija Komkova & Coralie Brumaud & Benjamin Dillenburger & Guillaume Habert, 2025. "Low-carbon indoor humidity regulation via 3D-printed superhygroscopic building components," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-54944-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54944-1
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