Marta C. Corvo

Rheological characterisation plays a crucial role in developing and optimising advanced materials in the form of hydrogels and aerogels, especially if 3D printing technologies are involved. Applications ranging from tissue engineering to environmental remediation require the fine-tuning of such properties. Nonetheless, their complex rheological behaviour presents unique challenges in additive manufacturing. This review outlines the vital rheological parameters that influence the printability of hydrogel and aerogel inks, emphasising the importance of viscosity, yield stress, and viscoelasticity. Furthermore, the article discusses the latest developments in rheological modifiers and printing techniques that enable precise control over material deposition and resolution in 3D printing. By understanding and manipulating the rheological properties of these materials, researchers can explore new possibilities for applications such as biomedicine or nanotechnology. An optimal 3D printing ink requires strong shear-thinning behaviour for smooth extrusion, forming continuous filaments. Favourable thixotropic properties aid viscosity recovery post-printing, and adequate yield stress and G′ are crucial for structural integrity, preventing deformation or collapse in printed objects, and ensuring high-fidelity preservation of shapes. This insight into rheology provides tools for the future of material design and manufacturing in the rapidly evolving field of 3D printing of hydrogels and aerogels.

A successful encapsulation of Keggin-type polyoxomolybdate (H3[PMo12O40], PMo12) into metal-organic framework (MOF) materials with an identical framework but distinct metal centers (ZIF-8 with Zn2+ and ZIF-67 with Co2+) was accomplished by a straightforward room-temperature procedure. The presence of Zn2+ in the composite material PMo12@ZIF-8 instead of Co2+ in PMo12@ZIF-67 caused a remarkable increase in the catalytic activity that achieved a total oxidative desulfurization of a multicomponent model diesel under moderate and friendly conditions (oxidant: H2O2 and solvent: ionic liquid, IL). Interestingly, the parent ZIF-8-based composite with the Keggin-type polyoxotungstate (H3[PW12O40], PW12), PW12@ZIF-8, did not show the relevant catalytic activity. The ZIF-type supports present an appropriate framework to accommodate active polyoxometalates (POMs) into their cavities without leaching, but the nature of the metallic center from the POM and the metal present in the ZIF framework were vital for the catalytic performance of the composite materials.