A little-known fact is that solar panels can become up to 30 percent less effective when they accumulate dust and grime. A more widely known fact is that homeowners climbing up on roofs to fix shingles, clean gutters or wash solar panels can lead to some very unpleasant injuries. For those performing the latter, listen up: Researchers at Tel Aviv University recently discovered a new nano-material that repels dust and water. Once commercialized, the material could be applied as a sheer coating, creating self-washing windows and solar panels.
Researchers discovered the miraculous little material accidentally as they were working on a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. By placing peptides (short polymers) in a vacuum under high pressure, researchers created self-assembling nanotubes. The end result were tiny nanotubes about one-billionth of a meter in length that all together resemble a small forest of grass. Because the nanotubes are resistant to water and heat, researchers figure that the nano-material would be an ideal coating for windows and solar panels, essentially creating products that clean themselves.
As a bonus, the new nano-material also acts as a supercapacitor, meaning it could also be used to prodive extra energy for batteries in electric vehicles or incorporated into existing lithium batteries.
The group of Tel Aviv researchers have already been approached to commercialize their new material, so we could see self-washing windows and solar panels within the next few years. And while that’s great news for us greenies, we’re guessing professional window-washers aren’t too pleased by the development.
+ Tel Aviv University
Via Gizmag.com
Lead photo by Joe M500
“By placing peptides (short polymers) in a vacuum under high pressure, researchers created self-assembling nanotubes.”
How is it possible to place something under pressure in a vacuum…is this some kind of joke?
I was thinking the same thing. They must be using mechanical pressure to extrude the peptides into a vacuum or some such.
Perhaps the author meant to say an ultra high vacuum. Either way, I’m sure it’s a trade secret as to exactly how it is made. :-\
So I am guessing that this is the same nano material as “liquid smoke” which another article reveals can greatly improve battery performance. I’ve very exited about the prospects this material has for the automotive industry. Windows that self clean would not need washer fluid! Enhanced battery capacity would increase the range of EV’s! I wonder if the self cleaning aspect would work in a coffee mug?
Eh, wish I could edit my own comment. I meant “frozen smoke” above.
I hope for sake of the world that this technology is not priced out of reach of the average consumer. This is the problem that keeps great technologies from becoming reality and saving the world.