Researcherssay they have discoveredself-repairing nanocrystals that can be used in semiconductors.
The nanocrystals are aimed at solar panels but could have a wide range of uses in electronics.
It’s part of a growing effort to find materials that repair themselves to reduce waste.
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Israel Institute of Technology scientistsrecently developedeco-friendly nanocrystal semiconductors capable of self-healing.
The perovskites could be useful in solar cells.
A transmission electron microscope caused faults and holes in the nanocrystals.
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Growing Field
The field of self-repairing materials is rapidly expanding.
For example, Australian researchersrecently demonstrateda way to help 3D-printed plastic heal itself at room temperature using only lights.
The researchers claim that the entire process makes the repaired plastic even stronger than before it was damaged.
It is hoped that further development of the technique will help to reduce chemical waste in the future.
“So, if a component fails, you could repair the material without having to throw it away.
We are increasing the lifespan of these materials, which is going to reduce plastic waste.”
The grippers use self-healing polymers and are intended for use in environments where robots are often damaged.
Self-healing robots could provide more autonomy in the future.
