Forming of Block Zeolites Using 3D Printing Technology

Zeolite blocks with 10% binder and without binder were formed using 3D printing technology. A polylactide template with the preset shape and structure of channels was printed on a 3D printer. The zeolite material was formed in the voids of this template. Finally, the template was burned out from the final block. Blocks with a binder were prepared by filling the template with a paste containing microcrystalline zeolite of MFI structural type. Blocks without binder were prepared by steam-assisted crystallization leading to the formation of zeolite nanocrystals in the H-form in the template channels. A relatively strong block consisting of MFI-type zeolite and reproducing the polymer template void volume was obtained.