Nano-nickel makes cheap self-cleaning surface
Australian scientists have developed a simple and inexpensive method to make water repellent nanocarpets using nickel.
The technology could be used to make self-cleaning surfaces on ships and buildings or for the manufacture of stain-proof clothing.
Physical chemist and lead author Dr Chiara Neto, of the University of Sydney and colleagues, report their research in the journal Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics.
Neto says self-cleaning nano surfaces have been around for several years, but they are often expensive and difficult to make.
She says the inspiration for the technology came from the lotus leaf.