Saudi Researchers Unveil Revolutionary Nanoplastic for Sustainable Street Lighting
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), in collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), have made a breakthrough in sustainable street lighting. Their new study reveals how nanomaterials can greatly reduce carbon emissions from LED streetlights.
KAUST developed a nanomaterial called nanoPE. This innovative material enhances the thermal radiation emission from LED surfaces, thus lowering LED temperatures. LEDs typically generate heat. This heat can damage electronics and shorten the lifespan of the lights. Notably, around 75% of the energy input in LEDs is lost as heat. Significant Environmental Impact
Professor Qiaoqiang Gan at KAUST emphasized the significance of these enhancements. He stated, 'LEDs are preferred light sources because of their superior efficiency and lifespan. However, small improvements can greatly influence sustainability. Even small advancements yield substantial benefits when implemented broadly.'
Notably, lighting accounts for approximately 20% of the world's annual electricity consumption and contributes nearly 6% to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Dr. Hussam Qasem, General Manager of the Future Energy Technologies Institute at KACST, highlighted the advantages of nanoPE. He mentioned, 'Our design significantly improves LED cooling. It maintains high illumination efficiency, making it a promising solution for sustainable lighting in Saudi Arabia.' Unique Design Features of nanoPE
Typically, LED streetlights direct their light towards the ground, illuminating objects below. However, nanoPE-coated streetlights invert this direction. They aim light towards the sky, optimizing thermal radiation dispersal.
This inversion arises because nanoPE allows infrared light, responsible for heat, to pass through it. Meanwhile, it reflects visible light back to the ground, ensuring effective illumination of the area beneath. The study found that over 80% of infrared light emitted by LEDs coated with nanoPE escapes into the atmosphere. In contrast, more than 95% of visible light reflects off the coating, illuminating streets effectively. Innovative Material Composition
The nanoPE nanoplastic is based on polyethylene, the most widely produced plastic globally. To create a nanoplastic that reflects visible light while passing infrared light, researchers engineered pores as small as 30 nanometers. These pores are about 1000 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair. The scientists also stretched and thinned the material to achieve optimal performance.
The team's findings are published in the journal 'Light: Science & Applications.' The research team includes Professors Osman Bakr and Boon Ooi, postdoctoral researcher Saichao Dang, master's student Hasan H. Almahfoudh, and KACST Assistant Professor Abdulrahman M. Alajlan.
With these advancements, KAUST and KACST pave the way for more sustainable street lighting solutions in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
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