Argonne Lab Grows Chia Pet Style Hairy Electronic Fibers 22
coondoggie writes "Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory say they have created 'hairy' electronic materials that grow like Chia pets. The Argonne researchers said they are interested in the tiny fibers for use in technologies like batteries, photovoltaic cells or sensors. '"Hairy" materials offer up a lot of surface area. Many chemical reactions depend on two surfaces making contact with one another, so a structure that exposes a lot of surface area will speed the process along. (For example, grinding coffee beans gives the coffee more flavor than soaking whole beans in water.) Micro-size hairs can also make a surface that repels water, called superhydrophobic, or dust,' the researchers said in a statement."
Please don't grind my coffee with this... (Score:2, Offtopic)
Morgellon's? (Score:2)
Great, wait until the Morgellon's people hear about this.
Re: (Score:2)
Agreed.
I mean, what does this mean, "... Micro-size hairs can also make a surface that repels water, called superhydrophobic, or dust,' the researchers said in a statement."
Does it mean they can repel water and dust, or they can repel water, dust, and something called "called superhydrophobic"? And if the clause "called superhydrophobic" is explaining water repulsion, then why isn't it just hydrophobic, but instead a super version?
I need it now! (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Here you go, caffeine shampoo: http://www.alpecin.com/caffein... [alpecin.com]
It's not just for breakfast any more . . .
Ch-ch-ch-chia!!! (Score:2)
Now the new Chia Circuit Board! Just soak it in water, paint on the seeds, and watch your brand new ARM computer grow!!!!
Also available, Chia Steve Ballmer!!!!
This will be a hot item next Christmas (Score:2)
I can see the television ads already...
Yes! You too can grow hairy electronic materials in your own home! Amaze your friends and neighbors! Makes a great gift for anybody in the family! Act now, limited supply!
And at some point we'll find these become Triffids, but only when it's too late.
the first step (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Do they mean water and dust, or just water or dust at one time, but not both simultaneously?
Article's opinion of their target audience... (Score:2)
Non-clickable image of actual microscopic filaments: 188x187 pixels
YouTube video of chia pet commercial: 640x360 pixels
prior art exists (Score:2)
two words: tin whiskers.