New technique to grow nanostructures that degrade organic matter when exposed to light
A spot of sunshine is all it could take to get your washing done, thanks to pioneering nano research into self-cleaning textiles.
Researchers at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, have developed a cheap and efficient new way to grow special nanostructures — which can degrade organic matter when exposed to light — directly onto textiles.
The work paves the way towards nano-enhanced textiles that can spontaneously clean themselves of stains and grime simply by being put under a light bulb or worn out in the sun.
Dr Rajesh Ramanathan said the process developed by the team had a variety of applications for catalysis-based industries such as agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and natural products, and could be easily scaled up to industrial levels.
“The advantage of textiles is they already have a 3D structure so they are great at absorbing light, which in turn speeds up the process of degrading organic matter,” he said.
“There’s more work to do to before we can start throwing out our washing machines, but this advance lays a strong foundation for the future development of fully self-cleaning textiles.”
The researchers from the Ian Potter NanoBioSensing Facility and NanoBiotechnology Research Lab at RMIT worked with copper and silver-based nanostructures, which are known for their ability to absorb visible light.
When the nanostructures are exposed to light, they receive an energy boost that creates “hot electrons”. These “hot electrons” release a burst of energy that enables the nanostructures to degrade organic matter.
The challenge for researchers has been to bring the concept out of the lab by working out how to build these nanostructures on an industrial scale and permanently attach them to textiles.
The RMIT team’s novel approach was to grow the nanostructures directly onto the textiles by dipping them into a few solutions, resulting in the development of stable nanostructures within 30 minutes.
When exposed to light, it took less than six minutes for some of the nano-enhanced textiles to spontaneously clean themselves.
“Our next step will be to test our nano-enhanced textiles with organic compounds that could be more relevant to consumers, to see how quickly they can handle common stains like tomato sauce or wine,” Ramanathan said.
Learn more:Â No more washing: Nano-enhanced textiles clean themselves with light
The Latest on: Nano-enhanced textiles
[google_news title=”” keyword=”nano-enhanced textiles” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Nano-enhanced textiles
- Researchers demonstrate enhanced radiative heat transfer for nanodeviceson May 9, 2024 at 8:01 am
"We were able to show both theoretically and experimentally how electromagnetic waves were excited at the interface of the oxide layer that enhanced the rate of heat transfer," lead author of the ...
- The 12 best cross training shoes in 2024: tried, tested and reviewedon April 30, 2024 at 9:20 am
The best cross training shoes are ones that deliver comfort, versatility and durability. There's nothing worse than heading into a workout and realizing your workout shoes aren't up to the job ...
- Nano-Care Deutschland AG Launches Next Generation Of Sustainable PFAS-Free Oleophobic Coatingson April 29, 2024 at 12:50 pm
Nano-Care® C0-L sets a new standard in leather care in that it not only delivers exceptional results but is also completely PFAS – free. This means that consumers can now look after their favourite ...
- Nanotechnology-Enhanced Biodegradation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs)on April 28, 2024 at 12:51 pm
This research contributes significantly towards developing an efficient nano-bioremediation approach that provides a pathway for complete PFAS mineralization in contaminated aquatic environments. In ...
- Forecasted Growth: AMEA Nanotechnology Photocatalysis Surface Coating Industry Set to Reach US$ 255.2 Million by 2033on April 25, 2024 at 3:08 am
The AMEA (Asia and Middle East and Africa) nanotechnology photocatalysis surface coating industry value is predicted to increase from US$ 85.3 million in 2023 to US$ 255.2 million by 2033. Over the ...
- Novel graphene oxide spray coating advances antiviral protection of face maskson April 22, 2024 at 9:57 am
In the relentless battle against airborne viruses, researchers have developed a new spray coating to improve the antiviral efficacy of personal protective equipment, notably face masks. The study is ...
- Textile Engineering and Materials (TEAM)on April 21, 2022 at 10:33 pm
TEAM Research Group was established in the early 1990s to undertake research in textiles. TEAM researchers have a wide range of specialist knowledge and expertise, currently focusing on the research ...
- Tough cottonon September 11, 2020 at 5:46 pm
Cotton is an important raw material for producing soft textiles and clothing. Recent discoveries in functionalizing cotton fibres with nanotubes may offer a new line of tough, wearable ...
- Nanotechnology Applicationson April 3, 2019 at 9:28 am
Our Nanotechnology Products and Applications database already ... thus improving adhesion. A range of enhanced textiles, such as breathable, waterproof and stainresistant fabrics, have been enabled by ...
- Nanotechnology in Energyon September 9, 2017 at 7:43 am
Enhanced Oil Recovery: Nanotechnology is used to develop new techniques for ... or even of human body heat for portable electronics in textiles. Regarding the reduction of energy losses in current ...
via Bing News