Seems like buckminsterfullerene properties and potential will never stop surprising! Recently the researchers presented a brand new water repellent material which comprised C60 and C70 fullerenes! Let's inspect its story, use and the way nature inspires science!
Nature In the Main Role
The ability of being hydrophobic is a natural tool of some animal and plant species to protect themselves and keep themselves clean. In this specific case, the primary sources of inspiration were leaves of water lotus.
Their surface is super-hydrophobic because of a special chemical film and nano-protrusions covered by a waxy material. Those allow the leaf to trap bubbles of air and so the water droplets just slide on them.
The Newest Use of Fullerenes
The scientists have synthesized nanostructured gel based on molecular crystals of C60 and C70. Fullerenes were chosen for their suitable closed cage-like structure and ability to form tall crystals - fullerites, while stacking on each other.
The closed cage form of fullerenes brings an extremely important feature to this hydrophobic substance. It doesn't interfere with the original materials it is applied on and so it doesn't affect their unique function and properties.
Extraordinary Resistance
It is not the first time science focuses on water-repellent material creation. However, the previously developed methods were not suitable for the surfaces or didn't preserve the hydrophobic properties while immersed for more than a few minutes.
This innovative fullerite film remains dry even in continuously flowing water (no matter the direction) or submerged for hours in the depth of 2 feet.
Future Application
So far this water repellent gel stays in the labs and it is a part of other studies in the matter. The possibilities of its future application are already pretty exciting! It could be used not just for splitting water, but anything fluid like bacterial disinfection or electro catalysis, too. This promises improvements in the medical field and more efficient fuel cells.
Other Examples of Inspiring Natural Phenomenon
Previously, the researchers were very interested in the ability of Argyroneta aquatic spiders to survive even under the water and fire ants who can create a sort of a waterproof raft from their bodies and let it float for weeks. What do they do to stay dry? Why don't they sink? What is their secret? They both mastered a method to trap the bubbles of air on their bodies.
This species of spiders creates so-called diving bells - bell shaped web domes which they fill with air before immersion. They carry this dome between their water repellent legs and abdomens. While the ants' exoskeletons are naturally hydrophobic for molecules of air trapped right next to them. They can walk on the water one by one or they can even move tightly all stick together forming a fascinating structure.
Why do we need a new generation of hydrophobic materials? From better rain coats, lifejackets, unsinkable boats, new kinds of medical treatment to building robots and technology which can monitor life in the ocean - the eventual uses are many. Limitless in almost the same way is nature as a source of inspiration. And not just for science! We are always happy for inventions as long as they stay with nature in harmony.
When do you guess the perfect waterproof material will enter our daily life?