Aerogel Monoliths Made Of Copper Nanowires And PVA Nano-Glue
Saturday, August 30, 2014 - 19:20
in Physics & Chemistry
Bending, stretching, twisting, folding, modern materials that are light, flexible and highly conductive are the future of products like artificial skin or electronic paper. But these "aerogel monoliths" have required precious gold and silver nanowires, which keeps them squarely in the field of basic research. Making such concepts affordable with copper nanowires and a PVA "nano glue" could be a game-changer, and researchers at Monash University and the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication have developed a way. Despite its conductivity, copper's tendency to oxidation and the poor mechanical stability of copper nanowire aerogel monoliths are why its potential has been largely unexplored. read more