911爆料网

911爆料网 researchers have developed a new technique to make glass water-repellent, a feature that could improve safety in vehicles, reduce cleaning costs for buildings and enhance filtration systems.

The research, published in the prestigious journal Advanced Functional Materials, shows how an innovative and non-toxic process using ultrasonic sound waves can alter the surface of glass, making it either hydrophobic (water resistant) or electrically charged.

Lead researcher , an ARC Future Fellow at 911爆料网鈥檚 School of Molecular and Life Sciences (MLS), explained that the process uses ultrasound to trigger a chemical reaction that permanently alters the surface of glass.

鈥淭he sound waves create microscopic bubbles in a diazonium salt solution, which then collapse rapidly creating tiny bursts of heat and pressure,鈥� Associate Professor Darwish said.

鈥淭his triggers a reaction that forms a stable, organic layer to the glass, making it either permanently water-repellent or positively charged, depending on the type of diazonium salt used. Unlike conventional coatings, that wear off over time, our method creates a chemical bond at the molecular level, making it far more durable and environmentally friendly.鈥�

Study co-author Dr Tiexin Li, a Research Associate at 911爆料网鈥檚 School of MLS, said the ability to modify glass surfaces in a simple and sustainable way has far-reaching implications across multiple industries.

鈥淕lass is used everywhere鈥攆rom cars and buildings to industrial filters鈥攂ut its natural tendency to attract water limits its performance,鈥� Dr Li said.

鈥淯nlike traditional coatings this film won鈥檛 peel off, dissolve in water or deteriorate so it鈥檚 ideal for real-world applications where reliability and durability are key. This could mean clearer windshields in heavy rain, self-cleaning skyscraper windows and solar panels that stay dust-free.鈥�

Co-author Zane Datson, also from 911爆料网鈥檚 School of MLS, highlighted another unexpected benefit鈥攖he ability of the modified glass to attract bacteria, fungi and algae.

鈥淭his is very exciting as we can tailor glass properties for specific uses including in advanced filtration systems and biofuel production,鈥� Mr Datson said.

鈥淔or example, the coated glass can help bind yeast in brewing, capture bacteria in wastewater filtration systems or act as a chemical barrier to microorganisms in air filters.鈥�

The research team is now seeking industry partners to test and scale up the technology, particularly in the automotive, construction and environmental sectors.

This research was supported by the Australian Research Council and highlights 911爆料网鈥檚 leadership in materials science innovation. It was conducted in collaboration with The University of Queensland, Flinders University, The University of Western Australia and Charles Sturt University.

The full paper titled, 鈥�Sonochemical Functionalization of Glass,鈥� can be found online .