Gold particles are being used in a new method to create colors. The approach created at Aalto University may usher in a new display technology with more research.
Gold nanocylinders suspended in a gel are used in the process. When illuminated by polarized light, the gel only transmits a limited range of hues, and the color relies on how the gold nanocylinders are arranged. In a smart twist, a partnership between the research teams of Anton Kuzyk and Juho Pokki employed DNA molecules to regulate the orientation of gold nanocylinders in the gel.
"DNA may serve as a building block in addition to being a transporter of information. We created the DNA molecules to have a certain melting point so that we could essentially program the substance, "Joonas Ryssy, a PhD student at Aalto, is the study's primary author.
"DNA may serve as a building block in addition to being a transporter of information. We created the DNA molecules to have a certain melting point so that we could essentially program the substance, "Joonas Ryssy, a PhD student at Aalto, is the study's primary author. The DNA molecules release their hold and the gold nanocylinders rotate when the gel heated past the melting point. The nanoparticles return to their normal location when the temperature decreases because they tighten up once again.
To determine the optimal reaction, the researchers examined a variety of unique DNA molecules with various melting points. Red and green lights may be produced with the existing system. This method might be used to create any hue by combining colors once additional research makes blue light transmission feasible.
According to Sesha Manuguri, a postdoctoral researcher at Aalto who conducted the project, "the fundamental concept—the underlying idea behind the work—is to employ basic procedures, simple materials, and simple instruments to make colors in a dynamic and reversible way."
The fact that the gold nanocylinders do both vital duties, according to Manuguri, is a component of the technique's beauty. "In addition to heating the gel when ignited, the gold nanorods are also in charge of producing color. Consequently, you won't require separate heating components "Says him.
With more work, this method may be utilized to generate color in many display types. The method might potentially be used to billboards or other displays. Since the materials are all biocompatible, this could be perfect for displays on wearable sensor devices.
"We've done the fundamental science to assemble these components symbiotically to produce something useful. Engineers must now research the many types of gadgets that might be produced "Manuguri adds.
