In their research, RTU scientists used zinc oxide liquid suspension of freely moving randomly spaced nanorods. In the electrostatic field, nanorods orient to the direction of electric field, and, as a result, the color of the liquid significantly changes.
Innovative material developed under the guidance of researcher of Riga Technical University (RTU) Andris Šutka can allow for naked-eye detection of the electrostatic field. Detectors made of this material will allow electronics industry to save enormous resources.
«Such a detector allows one to see with the naked eye the electrostatic field and prevent it in a timely manner. The technology could potentially be useful in the manufacturing of displays, solar panels and other optoelectronic devices,» said A. Šutka.
In the research, the scientists used zinc oxide liquid suspension of freely moving randomly spaced nanorods. In the electrostatic field, nanorods orient to the direction of electric field, and, as a result, the color of the liquid significantly changes. When static electricity disappears, nanorods in the suspension are again randomly distributed and the liquid recovers its original color.
According to the industry representatives, static electricity causes several billion worth annual losses as expensive equipment is often damaged irreparably due to electrostatic discharge. Unplanned costs are also related to maintenance services for the replacement of defective parts. The use of the detector would enable the industry to make significant savings.
The research has been conducted in close cooperation with scientists from the University of Tartu. The discovery has already gained the attention of the international scientific community, and has been republished in the prestigious publication journal «Chemical and Engineering News».
The researchers have begun negotiations with potential partners in the US to bring the new technology to market.
