3D-Printed Lead-Free Piezoelectric Structures for Water Purification via Piezocatalysis

This thesis investigates the fabrication and application of lead-free piezoelectric materials, specifically barium titanate (BaTiO₃) and potassium sodium niobate (KNN),for water purification via piezocatalysis. Using 3D printing technologies such as Robocasting, customized ceramic inks were developed to print porous scaffold structures optimized for catalytic surface area and mechanical stability. The printed structures were tested for piezocatalytic degradation efficiency under ultrasonic stimulation, with particular attention to the influence of material composition,sintering conditions, and scaffold architecture. Although no structural or morphological characterizations (such as XRD or SEM) were performed, the experimental results demonstrate that lead-free piezoelectric scaffolds exhibit effective catalytic activity in aqueous environments. This work highlights the potential of combining additive manufacturing with environmentally friendly materials to develop sustainable solutions for water purification.