Scientists create breakthrough everything-phobic nanomaterial
Sadly ANU's new everything-phobic spray won't keep children clean but everything else is game If you have not been able to bag an iPhone 7 or are still looking jealously at your friend's dunk proof Galaxy, do not worry as scientists have created a super-hydrophobic coating that could offer next level water-resistance to gadgets as well as increase safety for aeroplanes and give skyscrapers self-cleaning windows.
Key takeaways
- The translucent coating can be produced using two methods - both of which are cheaper than current hydrophobic processes - and will also be resistant to ultraviolet radiation, making it more of a multi-purpose wonder material.
- The team is also working on employing similar techniques for anti-corrosive, oil-repellent or even self-cleaning materials.
Cite or link to this article
Griffin, M. (2016) 'Scientists create breakthrough everything-phobic nanomaterial', 311 Institute, 10 October. Available at: https://www.311institute.com/scientists-create-breakthrough-hydro-phobic-dirt-phobic-nanomaterial/ (Accessed: 1 October 2026).
Sadly ANU's new everything-phobic spray won't keep children clean but everything else is game
If you have not been able to bag an iPhone 7 or are still looking jealously at your friend's dunk proof Galaxy, do not worry as scientists have created a super-hydrophobic coating that could offer next level water-resistance to gadgets as well as increase safety for aeroplanes and give skyscrapers self-cleaning windows.
The breakthrough spray on material which has been developed at the Australian National University has a remarkable ability to repel water, thanks to a surface layer of nanoparticles "which water slides off as if it's on a hot barbecue", explained William Wong from the Nanotechnology Research Laboratory at ANU.
The revolutionary coating could transform ordinary household items, such as preventing bathroom mirrors fogging up, to giving a protective layer to our expensive gadgets or even keeping skyscraper windows clean without the need to wash them, says Antonio Tricoli, a professor on the project.
But one interesting application could see the coating used on aeroplane wings to prevent ice forming in cold conditions, something that can have a serious - sometimes fatal - effect on a plane's flight.
"The key innovation is that this transparent coating is able to stabilise very fragile nanomaterials resulting in ultra-durable nanotextures with numerous real-world applications," said Tricoli.
While super-hydrophobic sprays are currently available to buy and are used by consumers to add water resistance to everything from footwear, clothing, or car seats these are known to wear off over time but ANU's new spray combines two plastics - one flexible, one tough.
"It's like two interwoven fishing nets, made of different materials," said Wong.
The translucent coating can be produced using two methods - both of which are cheaper than current hydrophobic processes - and will also be resistant to ultraviolet radiation, making it more of a multi-purpose wonder material.
The team is also working on employing similar techniques for anti-corrosive, oil-repellent or even self-cleaning materials.
FAQ
Why does this matter?
Sadly ANU's new everything-phobic spray won't keep children clean but everything else is game If you have not been able to bag an iPhone 7 or are still looking jealously at your friend's dunk proof Galaxy, do not worry as scientists have created a super-hydrophobic coating that could offer next level water-resistance to gadgets as well as increase safety for aeroplanes and give skyscrapers self-cleaning windows.
About the author
Matthew Griffin Founder, 311 Institute
Matthew Griffin is a multi-award winning Futurist and expert in Disruption and Innovation, Geopolitics, Leadership, and Technology, who NASA have described as a "walking encyclopaedia of the future" and a "futurist Polymath."
Read full bio
Matthew Griffin is a multi-award winning Futurist and expert in Disruption and Innovation, Geopolitics, Leadership, and Technology, who NASA have described as a "walking encyclopaedia of the future" and a "futurist Polymath." 15-time best selling author of the "Codex of the Future" series, Matthew is the Founder and Futurist in Chief of the 311 Institute, a global Futures and Deep Futures advisory firm working with royal households, world leaders, G7, G20, and G77 governments, NGOs, and multi-national mid and mega cap firms to help them explore, shape, and lead the next 50 years of business and society.
An award-winning YouTube creator with over a million followers, with an unrivalled global reach and impact, Matthew is a highly sought-after international keynote speaker, lecturer, and mentor who collaborates with global leaders through the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to shape pivotal initiatives such as the UN’s AI for Humanity program, the United Nations Conference of the Parties (UN COP), and the World Economic Forum in Davos.
As the former Global Head of Cloud, National Security, and Enterprise Sales for companies including Atos, Dell-EMC, and IBM, Matthew has a proven track record of building multi-billion dollar business units and turning failing divisions into market leaders. His ability to identify, analyse, and communicate the implications of hundreds of emerging technologies and trends is unparalleled, and his insights are trusted by many of the world’s most respected organisations, including ABB, Accenture, Adidas, AON, ARM, BCG, Centrica, Citi, Coca-Cola, Dentons, Deloitte, Dow Jones, EY, Google, KPMG, Lego, Legal & General, LinkedIn, Microsoft, PepsiCo, Qualcomm, RWE, Samsung, Siemens AG and Siemens Energy, T-Mobile, UBS, VISA, Walmart, Workday, Worldpay and many others.
Regularly featured in the global media including the AP, BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, Discovery, Forbes, Khaleej Times, Telegraph, TIME, ViacomCBS, WIRED, and the WSJ, Matthews mission is to help organisations create a fair and sustainable future whose benefits are shared by everyone irrespective of their ability, background, or circumstances.
What future do you need to see?
Choose one to get started on industry and manufacturing and the future of your organisation.
Source: first published by the 311 Institute on 10 October 2016. Cite as: Griffin, M. (2016). Scientists create breakthrough everything-phobic nanomaterial. 311 Institute. https://www.311institute.com/scientists-create-breakthrough-hydro-phobic-dirt-phobic-nanomaterial/
You are welcome to quote this article with credit and a link to the original.