Macroscale Control of Reactivity using 3D Printed Materials with Intrinsic Catalytic Properties

Catalytically active stirrers were 3D printed by stereolithography. The geometries of the stirrers were tailored to maximize the performance of an acidic catalyst for the hydrolysis of a disaccharide. Catalytic activity per unit of surface area varied depending on the number and tilt of the blades in the stirrers, proving that macroscopic shape can affect catalyst performance. Flow dynamics analysis indicated the topological effect on reactivity is due to the amount of non-zero pressure contact points between the solution and the stirrers.