Researchers have developed a 3D printing method that offers intricate constructions for next-generation energy, biomedical, and sensing technologies. Developed by researchers in Lausanne, Switzerland, the new method helps grow metals and ceramics inside a water-based gel, resulting in exceptionally dense constructions.

Instead of using light to harden a resin pre-infused with metal precursors, as previous methods have done, the team created a 3D scaffold using a simple water-based gel called a hydrogel.