A group of researchers from the Singapore University of Design and Technology (SUTD) has conducted scientific research and developed a new material that can be used as a detector for biomolecules, as well as as a solar energy converter.
The material obtained is based on nanostructures that actively interact with visible light and infrared rays. Nanomaterial is easy to apply to various surfaces, including plastic, and gives it new characteristics.
The nanomatrix can be used to improve the quality of solar batteries (to buy them on our website, follow the link), since it has the ability to absorb light. Also, with some change in the structure, it can be used to detect even the smallest traces of biological molecules.
A feature of the coating structure is the presence of silver particles, the width of which is a thousand times smaller than the width of a human hair. An additional advantage of using this type of structure in the future is the fact that the method of their manufacture does not require the use of acids and special temperatures. The whole process can be carried out at room temperature. This is especially important as it will allow the coating to be applied to any surface, including flexible plastics.
To grow the nanomaterial, a special technology was used, which is usually used for the manufacture of tinted films on large-area window glass. Successful experiments have already been carried out on coating plastic with a thickness of 10 cm, samples of silicon and silicon dioxide. Such a one-stage manufacturing method, with the possibility of applying the material over a large area, makes it relevant in the industrial sector.
All accurate data on the solar absorption rates of the new nano-substance have been published on the Nano Energy resource, with the support and cooperation of the Dalian University of Technology.