Fabrication of 3D photocatalytic α-Fe2O3 structure using direct ink writing method

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) photocatalytic devices are economical and environmental, since they can be easily recycled and reused. In this paper, a kind of 3D photocatalytic device with a rod diameter of 250 μm was fabricated using the aqueous-based α- Fe 2 O 3 ceramic inks by direct ink writing (DIW) method. The properties of the DIW woodpile samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscope. The result shows that the ink with solid content of 71.4 wt.% exhibits a shear thinning behavior and proper viscoelastic properties, which ensure a feasible extrusion in the whole shaping process. The sample sintered at 800°C in air causes photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) solution under the ultraviolet (UV) light. The photocatalytic properties of the α- Fe 2 O 3 woodpile structure was characterized by the UV-visible light spectrophotometer, and it was found to be better than that of bulk sample with same weight for its higher specific surface. The DIW technique would offer a potential method for the design and fabrication of 3D photocatalytic devices.