Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Structures: Design, Fabrication, 3D Printing Techniques, State-of-the-Art Studies, and Prospective Thermal Applications for Efficient Energy Utilization

Abstract

This review highlights the latest developments of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures with the aim of the system's energy utilization. TPMS structures have gained widespread recognition due to their significant heat transfer (e.g., enhanced surface area) and diverse mechanical properties (e.g., structural stability), making them highly valuable in numerous thermal applications. A comprehensive survey of the design approaches, software tools, commercial materials, and 3D printing techniques of TPMS-based structures is provided. Research gaps and future perspectives for the commercialization of TMPS structures are identified. Moreover, the potential applications of TPMS-based structures for heat transfer augmentation and thermal management are discussed. TPMS-based structures are promising topologies for heat exchangers on account of their intrinsically outstanding specific surface area. In this context, TPMS-based structures have received considerable attention for various applications, including heat exchangers, latent heat storage, hydrogen storage, battery cooling/thermal management, and membrane distillation. Besides, distinct potential applications of TPMS-based structures are proposed for heat transfer intensification and thermal management of photovoltaic/thermal collectors and fuel cells. Meanwhile, new proposals for using TPMS-based structures for different sorption-based applications, notably adsorption cooling/desalination systems, adsorption atmospheric water harvesting, thermochemical energy storage, and desiccant air conditioning, are nominated for forward-looking perspectives.