Design and development of 3D printed catalytically-active stirrers for chemical synthesis

Abstract

In this present study, we describe the novel design, preparation and evaluation of catalyst-impregnated stirrer beads for chemical synthesis. Using a low-cost SLA 3D printer and freeware design software, a high surface area holder for a magnetic stirrer bead was developed and 3D printed containing p-toluenesulfonic acid. The devices were used to efficiently catalyze Mannich reactions in excellent yields and it was demonstrated that the devices can be re-used up to 5-times with excellent reproducibility.