Researchers at the University of Miami have created a luminescent 3D printer material that could be used to make items that protect us from damaging rays of UV light. Discovered in 2004, carbon quantum dots are used elsewhere in making solar cells and have been investigated for potential use in preventing the distribution of counterfeit goods. The new material, which is made up of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur dioxide and water, can absorb light with wavelengths ranging between 400 nanometers (billionths of a meter) down to about 100 nan@@ The researchers believe their findings could be applied to designs and industrial products as varied as UV light converters, sunglasses and probes for different scientific uses.
Researchers at the University of Miami have created a luminescent 3D printer material that could be used to make items that protect us from damaging rays of UV light. Discovered in 2004, carbon quantum dots are used elsewhere in making solar cells and have been investigated for potential use in preventing the distribution of counterfeit goods. The new ink has been produced by mixing glowing, orange carbon dots with a previously unreported super-absorbent polymer. The researchers believe their findings could be applied to designs and industrial products as varied as UV light converters, sunglasses and probes for different scientific uses.