University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers, working with Bell Laboratories, have invented a new nano-structure that is not only able to repel almost any liquid in its normal state, but can also reverse that ability on command. A simple jolt of electricity changes the behavior of the material from liquid-repelling to "wettable", allowing the liquid to slip past the tiny silicon "nail" heads.
Because of this controllable feature, according to the University website, the new material "could find use in biomedical applications such as "lab-on-a-chip" technology, the manufacture of self-cleaning surfaces, and could help extend the working life of batteries as a way to turn them off when not in use."
This technology could potentially improve the performance of many types of consumer products such as cell phones, lap tops, and even hybrid or electric vehicles, all of which are limited in some way by battery life.
Reversible Water-Repellent Batteries
Nanonails
Trend Themes
1. Reversible Water-repellent Materials - Opportunity for developing innovative materials that can change their water-repellent properties on command.
2. Lab-on-a-chip Technology - Disruptive potential in the field of biomedical applications, enabling the development of portable, efficient, and cost-effective lab devices.
3. Smart Battery Management - Innovation opportunity to extend battery life and enhance performance of consumer products like cell phones, laptops, and electric vehicles.
Industry Implications
1. Biotechnology - Potential for incorporating reversible water-repellent materials in lab-on-a-chip devices and other biomedical applications.
2. Consumer Electronics - Opportunity for integrating reversible water-repellent materials and smart battery management systems in devices like cell phones and laptops.
3. Automotive - Innovation potential in utilizing reversible water-repellent materials and smart battery management to improve battery life and performance of electric and hybrid vehicles.