Applications of 3D Printing in Synthetic Process and Analytical Chemistry

Abstract

This chapter reviews recent developments in the use of three‐dimensional (3D) printing or additive manufacturing (AM) to chemical research, process, and analytical chemistry. 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing by allowing designs and fast prototyping that would not be feasible with the use of other techniques [1]. Furthermore, it enables engineers and scientists to rapidly close the loop on design, manufacture, and application. These aspects are of particular relevance to process chemistry, where flexibility in reactor design and integration of real‐time analytics are often limiting factors. The application of 3D printing to chemical processes opens a new research space in the interface between chemistry and engineering, reported for the first time by Cronin and co‐workers [2]. An overview of the state of the art and scope for the future of this AM technique will be detailed here.