The present study investigates the development of structured catalytic filters based on bio-derived materials for volatile organic compound (VOC) removal. A 3D-printed scaffold was fabricated using PLA filament containing spent coffee grounds (SCG), providing a sustainable and geometrically controlled support. The printed structures were subsequently modified through solvent treatment and impregnated with Co/Ce active phases to introduce catalytic functionality. The morphological and chemical properties of the materials were characterized, confirming the successful incorporation and homogeneous dispersion of the metal species without altering the macroporous architecture. The introduction of Co and Ce led to increased surface roughness and the formation of active metal oxide sites. The adsorption and catalytic performances were evaluated under continuous-flow conditions using toluene as a model VOC. The material exhibited a bifunctional behavior, with high adsorption efficiency at room temperature and increasing catalytic activity at elevated temperatures. The catalytic system reached a toluene conversion of 73% at 250 °C. The enhanced performance was attributed to the synergistic interaction between cobalt and cerium species, promoting oxygen mobility and redox activity. The results demonstrate that combining bio-derived materials, additive manufacturing, and catalytic functionalization represents a promising strategy for the design of efficient and sustainable structured filters for VOC abatement.
3D-Printed Bio-Derived Catalytic Structures from Spent Coffee Grounds for VOC Removal
Cirillo C.;Iuliano M.;Crescenzo G.
;Gallucci L.;Sarno M.
2026
Abstract
The present study investigates the development of structured catalytic filters based on bio-derived materials for volatile organic compound (VOC) removal. A 3D-printed scaffold was fabricated using PLA filament containing spent coffee grounds (SCG), providing a sustainable and geometrically controlled support. The printed structures were subsequently modified through solvent treatment and impregnated with Co/Ce active phases to introduce catalytic functionality. The morphological and chemical properties of the materials were characterized, confirming the successful incorporation and homogeneous dispersion of the metal species without altering the macroporous architecture. The introduction of Co and Ce led to increased surface roughness and the formation of active metal oxide sites. The adsorption and catalytic performances were evaluated under continuous-flow conditions using toluene as a model VOC. The material exhibited a bifunctional behavior, with high adsorption efficiency at room temperature and increasing catalytic activity at elevated temperatures. The catalytic system reached a toluene conversion of 73% at 250 °C. The enhanced performance was attributed to the synergistic interaction between cobalt and cerium species, promoting oxygen mobility and redox activity. The results demonstrate that combining bio-derived materials, additive manufacturing, and catalytic functionalization represents a promising strategy for the design of efficient and sustainable structured filters for VOC abatement.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
