Scientists develop 'nanosphere' paint that could reduce planes' carbon dioxide emissions

Paint might not seem like the heaviest component to consider when building a large device like an airplane, but its mass can add up. Now, a new and lightweight substance could provide a welcome substitute: Two material scientists from Kobe University, Fujii Minoru and Sugimoto Hiroshi, have discovered nanospheres that are near-invisible silicone crystals. The particles can reflect light thanks to very large and efficient scattering, research published in the journal of ACS Applied Nano Matter details. The result could mean covering a surface in vibrant color while only adding 10 percent of the weight that paint would bring, Fast Company reports.

This reduction could have a tremendous impact on factors such as cost and carbon dioxide produced. Simply put, a plane must use more fuel as its weight goes up, thus directly increasing the amount of money airlines spend (and then charge customers), along with the quantity of fuel burned as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Minoru and Hiroshi's discovery focuses on structural rather than pigment color to exhibit and maintain hues. The former absorbs wavelengths while reflecting the ones the human eye picks up. Structural colors, on the other hand, are "intense and bright colors result from the interaction of light with periodic micro- and nanostructures that cause color by interference, coherent scattering, or diffraction," according to the Encyclopedia of Nanotechnology.

The team's work follows previous research in which they were able to build nanocrystals to a specific size. Then came the creation of colloquial suspension, which keeps the crystalline silicon nanoparticles mixed with supporting liquid rather than separating. At present, the color of the nanosphere-based ink varies as the team changes the nanocrystals' sizes. Larger particles create warm hues like red, while smaller particles display cooler tones like blue. These shades should remain identical no matter the angle at which a person sees them.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/scientists-develop-nanosphere-paint-that-could-reduce-planes-carbon-dioxide-emissions-134733040.html?src=rss https://www.engadget.com/scientists-develop-nanosphere-paint-that-could-reduce-planes-carbon-dioxide-emissions-134733040.html?src=rss
Created 1y | Feb 22, 2024, 2:20:16 PM


Login to add comment

Other posts in this group

Amazon Prime Day deals on Kindles and ereaders are still up to 36 percent off

Even the most affordable Kindle usually has a $110 MSRP, so holding out for the best

Jul 10, 2025, 6:40:32 PM | Engadget
The Webb Telescope captures a mesmerizing view of the Cat's Paw nebula

Feast your eyes on the most mesmerizing feline foot known to humankind. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) captured this image of the Cat's Paw nebula. The European Space Agency (ESA) shared the

Jul 10, 2025, 6:40:31 PM | Engadget
Nintendo is getting rid of its money-saving Game Vouchers program

Nintendo games famously don’t tend to go down in price all that much, but original Switch owners were able to save money on eligible first-party-published titles by taking advantage of the company’

Jul 10, 2025, 6:40:30 PM | Engadget
Razer's DeathAdder V4 Pro gaming mouse features an optical scrolling wheel

Razer just announced the pending availability of the DeathAdder V

Jul 10, 2025, 6:40:26 PM | Engadget
The Meta Quest 3s is still in stock and down to a record-low price for Prime Day

The Meta Quest 3s virtual reality headset is on sale as part of

Jul 10, 2025, 6:40:25 PM | Engadget
UK authorities arrest four suspected members of hacker group Scattered Spider

The National Crime Agency (NCA) in London

Jul 10, 2025, 6:40:23 PM | Engadget