3D printing of Zr-based bulk metallic glasses with complex geometries and enhanced catalytic properties

Abstract

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are difficult to manufacture by conventional processes due to the superior strength and extreme brittleness of these materials. Here, we report on the manufacturing of Zr-based BMG components with complex geometries, including cubic, hollow, and lattice structures, by using a selective laser melting (SLM) 3D-printing technique. High amorphous phase fractions between 74 and 90 wt% are achieved depending on the geometries manufactured. To take advantage of complex geometries with large specific surface areas, the lattice BMG samples were selected, as an example, to be dealloyed to obtain a milli/nano hierarchical porous structure, which exhibits excellent catalytic properties towards degradation of methyl orange, showing a promising potential for functional applications.