New research from Tel Aviv University has recently been published on breakthrough self-cleaning technology for glass surfaces such as windows and photovoltaic panels.
Using nanotechnology, the research team have developed a system of controlling the atoms and molecules of peptides so that they repel dust and water. The peptides are increasing in size until they resemble a microscopic patch of grass, and when applied to glass panes, will result in “self-cleaning” windows and solar panels, increasing efficiency.
The technology works in the range of one hundred nanometres (around one-billionth of a metre), but the project was originally intended as an attempt to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. The research team, headed by Prof. Ehud Gazit in TAU's Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology were surprised to see the possible applications their work could have in construction, solar energy and electric cars.
The discovery came after Prof. Gazit had been working for six years on developing arrays of self-assembling peptides made from proteins. The “self-assembled nano-tubules” are created in a vacuum under high temperatures using a variety of peptides.
Another selling point of the technology is that the peptides used are simple and inexpensive to produce – comparatively with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. The nano-tubules are also able to withstand extreme heat and resist water.
The nano-technology could have a potential to increase the capacity of electric batteries and may also lead to the development of a high-density storage material.
Windows coated with the new nano-material would never need to be washed again, reducing the need for water and chemicals, as well as the potential applications for solar panels, which lose efficiency when coated with dust.
For further details, see:
http://www.nanotech-now.com/news.cgi?story_id=35684