The sapphire nanostructure-based glass-like material. Source: The University of Texas at Austin
A new study shows that sapphire, the second most durable gemstone after diamond, could be the key to developing the best anti-glare, anti-fogging, dust-resistant, scratch-free surfaces.
University of Texas at Austin (UTexas) scientists have developed novel sapphire-based nanostructures with exceptional self-cleaning properties.
These nanostructures can work like traditional glass surfaces used as displays in smartphones and various other electronic devices. It could also lead to the development of windows and windshields that remain unaffected by moisture and dust.
“Our sapphire nanostructures are not only multifunctional but also mechanically robust, making them ideal for applications where durability and performance are critical,” Mehmet Kepenekci, one of the study authors and a graduate student at UTexas, said.
Inspired by lotus leaves and moth eyes
An image of the sapphire nanostructures. Source: The University of Texas at Austin
The design of the sapphire nano-structures is similar to moth eyes, which have a special surface covered in tiny cone-shaped structures that gradually change in height.
These structures create a smooth transition between air and the eye’s surface, reducing the light that bounces off. So, instead of reflecting, more light enters their eye, helping moths see better in the dark and making their eyes less visible to predators.
Like moth eyes, the sapphire nanostructures also have a tapered shape that minimizes glare and allows the maximum amount of light to pass through.
Plus, they have the highest surface ratio (2:1) for any sapphire-based material, high surface energy, and rough geometric features similar to those found on lotus leaves. All these characteristics make the material highly resistant to dust and water droplets.
“With an enhanced transmission of up to 95.8% at a wavelength of 1360 nm. The sapphire nanostructures also exhibited enhanced wetting performance and could mitigate fogging from water condensation or repel water droplets,” the study authors note.
“Furthermore, owing to their sharp features, the fabricated structures could prevent particulate adhesion and maintain a 98.7% dust-free surface area solely using gravity,” they added.
Sapphire nanostructures can fix many problems
Using sapphire nanostructures is not limited to screens, windows, and windshields. The study authors suggest that dust-free materials based on these crystals could play an important role in aerospace equipment.
For example, dust and fine particles can accumulate during space missions on spacecraft sensors, cameras, and other critical components, reducing their efficiency. This could be prevented using the sapphire nanocrystals.
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“As we embark on the next generation of space travel, the anti-dust properties could ensure mission-critical equipment doesn’t get caked in dust during landing missions on other planets, for example. It could lead to the creation of stronger infrared sensors and protective windows in defense applications,” the UTexas team said.
However, it is yet to be seen how the sapphire nanostructures would perform when used for larger surfaces. To address this, the study authors plan to conduct further research focusing on improving the performance of these nanostructures and scaling up their production.
The study is published in the journal Materials Horizons.
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