3D-printed heterogeneous Cu2O monoliths: Reusable supports for antibiotic treatment of wastewater

In this study, surfactant stabilized dispersions of the Cu2O microparticles in a commercially available photocurable resin were 3D printed into both porous and non-porous monoliths, and the heterogeneous Cu2O catalytic monolith with improved mass transfer characteristics was applied for antibiotic wastewater treatment. The physicochemical properties of catalytic monoliths were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric. Ten intermediates were analyzed and identified by GC-MS, and the corresponding degradation pathways were proposed. Both numerical simulation and degradation experiments were used to explore the mass transfer mechanism and catalytic performance of the monoliths. The results showed that the 3D-printed monolith with a well-defined porous network exhibited a high ofloxacin degradation efficiency (100%) based on the sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes. In addition, the catalytic monolith showed sustained high activity over 7 reusable cycles demonstrating its feasibility in removal of antibiotics from wastewater.

Automated summary

In this study, surfactant stabilized Cu2O microparticles were 3D printed into catalytic monoliths with improved mass transfer characteristics. These monoliths showed high degradation efficiency and sustained high activity, demonstrating their potential application in antibiotic wastewater treatment.