Pinoy scientists make transparent aluminum via acid droplets

Pinoy scientists make transparent aluminum via acid droplets

/ 01:55 PM February 13, 2025
Pinoy scientists make transparent aluminum via acid droplets
The researchers made transparent aluminum oxide (TAlOx) by applying microdroplets of acidic solution onto ordinary aluminum and applying a controlled electric current. CREDIT: Budlayan et al., 2025

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Ateneo de Manila University researchers developed a cost-effective way to create transparent aluminum oxide (TAIOx).

They applied microdroplets of acidic solution onto small aluminum surfaces and applied an electric current. 

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The method only requires two volts of electricity, smaller than the amount in an AA household flashlight battery. This process is called “droplet-scale anodization,” which is simpler than existing manufacturing methods.

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Also, it is environmentally friendly, reducing energy consumption and chemical waste.

It relies on the “electrowetting” effect, where an electric field changes the properties of a liquid droplet. 

Consequently, researchers gained precise control over the anodization process. 

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In comparison, the conventional ways of making transparent aluminum oxide are expensive and complicated. 

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They require high-powered lasers, vacuum chambers, or large vats of dangerous acids. 

The Ateneo researchers’ method could make TAIOx more affordable and applicable in everything from touchscreens and ultra-durable vehicle coatings.

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Also, it could promote further advancements in miniaturized electronics, as scientists can now turn metal surfaces into insulating, transparent layers. 

The following researchers worked on this transparent aluminum breakthrough:

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  • Marco Laurence M. Budlayan, Ateneo de Manila University
  • Raphael D. Guerrero, Ateneo de Manila University
  • Juan Paolo S. Bermundo, Nara Institute of Science and Technology
  • James C. Solano, Nara Institute of Science and Technology
  • Mark D. Ilasin, Nara Institute of Science and Technology
  • Yukiharu Uraoka, Nara Institute of Science and Technology

They published their findings in the journal Langmuir. 

TOPICS: technology
TAGS: technology

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