Such a gold nanocoating can be used in the production of glass for cars or glasses – it will prevent fogging during wet conditions.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a gold nano-coating that heats glass up to 8°C, absorbing large amounts of infrared radiation and preventing the glass from fogging in humid conditions. Unlike standard approaches that simply distribute water using hydrophilic molecules, this method prevents condensation from even starting.
The 10nm coating contains gold sandwiched between layers of titanium oxide (which not only enhances the heating effect due to refraction, but also protects the material from wear). It also won’t overheat in warm weather, as it prevents radiation from reaching the other side of the glass.
The researchers say they created the coating using conventional manufacturing techniques, such as vapor deposition. In other words, companies may not have to upgrade their production lines.
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Although gold is quite an expensive material, the amount required to create the product is minimal (it is about 12 times thinner than ordinary gold leaf), which does not have a significant impact on the price of the glasses. Instead, the team plans to explore the use of other metals.
The researchers have already applied for a patent, but no company has yet shown interest in the product. Fortunately, the coating may not be limited to glasses, it can be used to reduce car windshield fogging, and future developments may be useful for mirrors, windows and other transparent surfaces.
Source: Engadget
