In the future, food can be protected from water and contaminants using just a thin layer of tissue. This amazing material is known as "nanopaper." Recently, its creator, Professor Huang Jianguo from Zhejiang University, revealed the secrets behind this innovative paper to a reporter.
Nanopaper may look like regular paper at first glance, but it has remarkable properties. By incorporating different chemicals onto its surface, it can be transformed into a highly functional material.
For instance, when combined with a fluorocarbon compound, nanopaper becomes an ideal packaging material for food. It becomes waterproof, oil-resistant, and even has antibacterial properties. To demonstrate this, Professor Huang conducted an experiment where the nanopaper was placed in a bacterial culture solution. Remarkably, the paper remained non-toxic and prevented bacterial growth.
Beyond food packaging, nanopaper also has applications in environmental monitoring. For example, by adding a dye called N719, it can detect mercury in industrial wastewater. If mercury ions are present, the paper changes color from purple to orange.
Similarly, when combined with aniline dye, nanopaper can identify nitrite ions in food. In pickled foods that contain high levels of nitrites, the paper turns pink instantly.
Even fluoride, a common ingredient in toothpaste, can be detected using nanopaper. When paired with halogen compounds, the paper reacts to fluoride ions. The intensity of the color change reflects the concentration of fluoride present.
However, for these tests to work, the sample must be in water. Nanopaper only functions effectively when it comes into contact with moisture.
Another exciting application of nanopaper is in sewage treatment. Before use, the paper 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? According to Professor Huang, the secret lies in its composition. It is a filter paper coated with a thin layer of titanium dioxide—a substance commonly found in food packaging and considered safe for human use.
The key to making nanopaper is precisely coating the filter paper fibers with a titanium dioxide film at the nanoscale. This provides a platform for further chemical modifications, enhancing the paper's functionality.
The process begins by placing a standard filter paper in a solution containing titanium alkoxide. The solution is then filtered, allowing the compound to adsorb onto the paper fibers. Water is added to trigger hydrolysis, creating a strong bond between the titanium dioxide and the paper’s nanofibers.
By introducing various functional molecules into this titanium dioxide layer, scientists can develop a wide range of new materials with diverse applications.
Despite its advanced features, the cost of producing nanopaper is surprisingly low. The raw materials alone cost just a few cents. With ongoing research and development, it's expected that nanopaper will soon enter commercial production and become a part of everyday life.
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