In the heart of Shanghai, researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking technique that could revolutionize the way we think about optical and thermal applications, particularly in the energy sector. Led by Ruijie Liu from the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Materials Laser Processing and Modification at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, this innovative approach combines the power of femtosecond lasers with biomimetic manufacturing to create functional photonic structures with unprecedented control over their properties.
The inspiration for this work comes from nature itself, specifically the black wings of the Ornithoptera goliath butterfly and the infrared-band radiative cooling function of the Rapala dioetas butterfly wings. These natural wonders are the result of unique hierarchical micro/nanostructures and black pigments like melanin. Liu and his team have taken this natural blueprint and translated it into a cutting-edge manufacturing process.
The technique, dubbed femtosecond laser subtractive/additive-integrated hierarchical micro/nano-manufacturing, allows for the one-step transfer of refractory metals like tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, and tantalum into black non-stoichiometric oxide nanomaterials. These materials are not only black but also exhibit tunable infrared emission, a property that could have significant implications for energy management.
“By adjusting the scan interval, we can tailor the structural oxidation degree and the emission in the long-wave infrared band,” Liu explains. “This level of control opens up new possibilities for high-throughput optical and thermal applications.”
One of the most intriguing aspects of this research is the potential for visible/infrared encryption and stimuli-responsive infrared decryption. The team has demonstrated that selectively patterned Chinese characters, Arabic numbers, and English letters can be fabricated, which are intrinsically invisible in the infrared dual-band but can be decrypted via static or dynamic environmental stimuli. This could lead to advanced security measures and data encryption techniques in the energy sector, where protecting sensitive information is paramount.
The implications for the energy sector are vast. The ability to control infrared emission could lead to more efficient thermal management systems, reducing energy waste and improving overall efficiency. Additionally, the potential for advanced encryption could enhance the security of energy infrastructure, protecting it from cyber threats.
“This research represents a significant step forward in the field of biomimetic manufacturing,” Liu says. “It opens up new avenues for exploration and extension, paving the way for future developments in optical and thermal applications.”
The study, published in the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, translates to the English name “International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing” showcases the potential of this technique and its wide-ranging applications. As researchers continue to explore and refine this method, we can expect to see even more innovative uses emerge, shaping the future of the energy sector and beyond. The self-evolution from ‘orderless’ structuring to ‘ordered’ functionalization is a testament to the power of biomimetic manufacturing and the potential it holds for the future.