Material science has given us a number of incredible things we use daily, from semiconductors, to better batteries. Now, a group of researchers have built a material that¡¯s not just self-healing, but also helps fix the environment.
Diagrams of the self-healing material
The material is composed of a gel-like polymer combined with chloroplasts, which are the cell structures in plants responsible for photosynthesis. These chloroplasts, when exposed to light absorb carbon dioxide from the air and convert it to energy. The material then uses this energy to expand in size.
So, how does it work? Well, think of a solid block of this material from which you cut a slice. The newly exposed region will then snatch CO2 from the air to expand and refill the gap. Now, you have a solid, whole piece once more, all without any application of heat, ultraviolet light, or any other special care usually required by other self-healing products.
When chloroplasts have been used before, they tended to stop functioning a few hours after they were removed from the plant as they are? organic. The scientists on this project have, however, managed to significantly increase their lifespan to make them more viable.?
Representational image - Stefano Boeri Architetti
They admit there¡¯s a lot of work still to be done for the material to be truly viable. One option? is to replace the chloroplasts with artificial catalysts that achieve the same effect. However, the applications are already exciting. Imagine a construction material that coats the exteriors of buildings, repairs nicks and weathering over time, all while helping scrub carbon dioxide from the city air.