Chapter 5 - 3D printing of 2D nano-inks for multifarious applications

Abstract

Since the advent of two-dimensional (2D) graphene, 2D nanomaterials have taken the field of research by storm. Several 2D nanomaterials with fascinating and multiple properties have since been discovered and used in exciting applications. The next leap has been the synthesis of nano-inks for 3D printing, in which the 2D structures of these materials are tailored to fabricate thin laminar structures with a small nano-to-micron–layer thickness. Such nano-ink–generated 3D structures are proposed for uses such as biomedical applications, solar cell fabrication, electrochemical energy storage device fabrication, and water purification techniques. Thus, study of the synthesis and rheologic properties of these inks has become important because the next few decades will see more rigorous applications of 3D-printed structures for such multifunctional 2D nano-inks. This chapter attempts to provide an understanding of the synthesis and rheologic features of nano-inks and the effects of these features on their use for different applications.