Comparison of Direct Ink Writing and Binder Jetting for additive manufacturing of Pt/Al2O3 catalysts for the dehydrogenation of perhydro-dibenzyltoluene

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Switzerland : 1996), 2023-02, Vol.458, p.141361, Article 141361
• Main Authors: Bui, Hanh My, Großmann, Paula F., Berger, Anne, Seidel, Alexander, Tonigold, Markus, Szesni, Normen, Fischer, Richard, Rieger, Bernhard, Hinrichsen, Olaf
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Binder Jetting; Characterization; Dehydrogenation; Direct Ink Writing; Heterogeneous catalysis; Impregnation; Liquid organic hydrogen carrier
• ISSN: 1385-8947; 1873-3212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.141361

Two additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, namely extrusion-based Direct Ink Writing (DIW) and powder-based Binder Jetting (BJ), were thoroughly compared to assess their respective advantages and drawbacks for catalyst shaping. The 3D printed monolithic Al2O3 supports were wet impregnated with H3Pt(SO3)2(OH) and tested for the dehydrogenation of perhydro-dibenzyltoluene (18H-DBT), a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC). The supports were analyzed regarding their specific surface area, compression strength, shrinkage behavior and pore size distribution with calcination temperatures ranging from 600 - 1200°C as well as 3D print specific characteristics. Benefiting the liquid phase reaction, pore diameters below 26nm were diminished above Tcalc = 1050°C, revealing a BET surface area of 26m2/g for BJ and 11m2/g for DIW printed supports. Furthermore, increasing the impregnation duration from 0.5h to 12h showed increased Pt loading, larger metal particles, and a deeper penetration into the support. Most notably, for BJ the Pt loading is generally higher due to higher meso- and macroporosity of the support. Catalytic 18H-DBT dehydrogenation with powder and monolithic catalysts showed equal dehydrogenation rates with both 3D printing methods, respectively. The achieved Pt productivity was about 4.3gH2gPt−1min−1 for powder tests and 2.7gH2gPt−1min−1 for monolithic pellets. [Display omitted] •Both AM methods Direct Ink Writing and Binder Jetting suitable for use in catalysis.•Successful 3D printing of alumina supports with differing textural properties.•Characterization of supports depending on Tcalc and printing method.•Wet impregnation with Pt and characterization thereof.•Similar Pt productivities by both printing techniques for dehydrogenation of LOHC.