News Release

Ecofriendly nano-fabrication achieved with biodegradable chitosan nanoparticles

KIMM uses chitosan to fabricate self-cleaning antireflective glass. And biodegradable material paves way for nanostructuring with minimal environmental risks.

Peer-Reviewed Publication

National Research Council of Science & Technology

Nano-fabrication Schematic

image: Nano-fabrication schematic for the self-cleaning antireflective glass by ecofriendly nano-fabrication using chitosan and general nano-fabrication using synthetic polymer nanoparticle view more 

Credit: Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM)

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM, President Chun Hong Park) succeeded in creating glass with self-cleaning and antireflective functions through the biodegradable chitosan nanoparticle coating. This is the first use of a biodegradable material in nanosphere lithography. The results of the study can be utilized to prevent the use of synthetic polymer nanoparticles in nano-fabrication, a kind of microplastic waste, which have been associated with toxicity issues.

Dr. Hyuneui Lim and Dr. Seung-Chul Park of the Department of Nature-Inspired Nano Convergence Systems under the Nano-Convergence Mechanical Systems Research Division used chitosan, obtained from crab shells, to develop an ecofriendly nanoparticles coating process, and published the results in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces*. (Oct. 30)

* Title of paper: Synthesis of Surface-Reinforced Biodegradable Chitosan Nanoparticles and Their Application in Nanostructured Antireflective and Self-Cleaning Surfaces

The team used biodegradable chitosan nanoparticles instead of polystyrene nanoparticles in the nanostructuring of antireflective, self-cleaning glass surfaces. The main advantage of the proposed process is that the use of ecofriendly material eliminates the microplastic waste, which occurs in nanostructuring processes.

With the growing interest in environmental issues, extensive research has been conducted to adopt ecofriendly approaches in nano-fabrication processes. However, it has been difficult to use biodegradable materials due to their weak intrinsic properties.

The team strengthened the physical properties of biodegradable chitosan nano- particles through surface treatment and used it instead of polystyrene, which is a more commonly employed material in nanoparticle coating.

While chitosan particles have been used in food or drug delivery, this is the first approach of chitosan in nanosphere lithography. The results are expected to lead to diverse applications in processes involving polymer nanoparticles.

To date, the cheap, spherical polystyrene polymers have been used to make nanostructures on surfaces. This process produces large amounts of waste containing plastic nanoparticles, and has been a significant environmental concern.

Hyuneui Lim, head of the Department of Nature-Inspired Nano Convergence Systems, said, "The significance of this study lies in being the world's first ecofriendly nanosphere lithography that successfully reduces the use of nanoplastic particles. We expect it to have various applications in processes requiring the use of polymer nanoparticles."

The study received funding from the Convergence Research Program of the National Research Council of Science and Technology as a "preliminary study on Teflon-replacing high-temperature resistant superhydrophobic surface design and process technology", and from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for the "development of self-cleaning high-value-added color glass for solar modules in urban buildings."

###


Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.