In the future, food can be protected from water and contamination using just a thin layer of paper. This incredible material is called "nanopaper." Recently, its inventor, Professor Huang Jianguo from Zhejiang University, revealed the secrets behind this amazing innovation to a reporter.
Nanopaper looks like regular paper at first glance, but its capabilities are truly remarkable. By incorporating different chemicals onto the surface, it can serve a wide range of purposes.
For instance, it can act as an ideal packaging material for food. When combined with a fluorocarbon compound, nanopaper gains properties such as water resistance, oil resistance, and even antibacterial effects.
To demonstrate its effectiveness, Professor Huang conducted an experiment. He placed the nanopaper in a bacterial culture solution, and the result was impressive—no bacteria were able to penetrate or grow on the paper.
Beyond food packaging, nanopaper has potential applications in environmental monitoring. For example, by adding a dye known as N719, it can detect mercury in industrial wastewater. If mercury ions are present, the purple paper turns orange, providing a clear visual signal.
Similarly, when combined with aniline dye, nanopaper can identify nitrite ions in food. In foods like pickles that contain high levels of nitrites, the white paper quickly changes to pink.
Even fluoride, which is commonly found in toothpaste, can be detected using this technology. Too much fluoride can lead to discoloration of teeth, but nanopaper, when paired with halogen compounds, can measure fluoride ions. The intensity of the color change reflects the concentration of fluoride.
However, one important condition is that the test must be performed in water. Nanopaper only functions effectively when it comes into contact with moisture.
Another exciting application is in sewage treatment. Before being used for this purpose, the nanopaper is heated to 450°C, transforming it into materials like titanium dioxide nanotubes or carbon-based composites. When placed in contaminated water, a remarkable transformation occurs: the water’s color fades, and harmful substances are broken down.
So, what makes nanopaper so special?
Professor Huang recently explained the secret. Nanopaper is essentially filter paper coated with a thin layer of titanium dioxide. This material is not only safe—it's commonly used as a food additive—and it's also highly versatile, capable of bonding with many different chemicals.
The key to creating this paper lies in precisely coating the filter paper fibers with a titanium dioxide film at the nanoscale. This provides a stable platform for further functionalization, enhancing the paper's overall performance.
The process involves placing a standard filter paper into a solution containing a titanium alkoxide compound. The solution is then filtered, allowing the compound to adsorb onto the fibers. Water is added to initiate hydrolysis, resulting in a thin, durable layer of titanium dioxide adhering to the paper’s nanofibers.
By introducing various functional molecules into this titanium dioxide layer, scientists can develop a wide range of new materials tailored for specific applications.
Interestingly, the cost of producing nanopaper is remarkably low. The material itself costs just a few cents. With such affordability, it’s expected that nanopaper could soon enter commercial production and become a common part of everyday life.
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