Nanotechnology

Investigators at Nanyang Technological University zero in on science

  2008 NOV 24 - (VerticalNews.com) -- "We describe a simple and robust approach to fabricating an alpha-Fe2O3 switchable surface. The hydrophobicity of alpha-Fe2O3 nanostructures was observed for the first time," investigators in Singapore, Singapore report.

  "A remarkable surface wettability transition can be easily achieved by ultraviolet (UV) illumination. The distinctive properties of surface defects are disclosed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The nanoscale adsorption and photocatalytic properties of Fe2+ defects account for the highly amphiphilic character of the surfaces," wrote B. Yan and colleagues, Nanyang Technological University.

  The researchers concluded: "We believe that the experiment will further the molecular-scale understanding and manipulation of the wetting behavior on smart devices."

  Yan and colleagues published their study in Langmuir (Reversible UV-light-induced ultrahydrophobic-to-ultrahydrophilic transition in an alpha-Fe2O3 nanoflakes film. Langmuir, 2008;24(19):10569-10571).

  For additional information, contact T. Yu, Nanyang Technological University, School Physics & Math Science, Division Physics & Applied Physics, Singapore 637371, Singapore.

  The publisher of the journal Langmuir can be contacted at: American Chemical Society, 1155 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA.

  Keywords: Emerging Technologies, Nanoscale, Nanostructural, Nanostructure, Nanostructures, Nanotech, Nanotechnology, Photocatalyst, Photocatalytic, Nanyang Technological University.

  This article was prepared by VerticalNews Nanotechnology editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, VerticalNews Nanotechnology via VerticalNews.com.