In a breakthrough that could reshape the landscape of industrial surface treatments, researchers have discovered an affordable method to create precise nanogrooves using an inexpensive laser system. This innovation, published in the journal *Materials Research Express* (translated as “Expressions of Material Research”), opens doors for enhanced material properties across various sectors, including energy.
At the heart of this research is Zuzana Fialkova, a scientist at the HiLASE Centre, part of the Institute of Physics at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, and the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague. Fialkova and her team have demonstrated that a nanosecond fiber laser system, costing less than €10,000, can produce periodic nanogrooves on stainless steel surfaces. These grooves, with a periodicity of approximately 1 micrometer and depths ranging from 50 to 220 nanometers, significantly enhance the material’s hydrophobicity.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. “By improving the wettability of surfaces, we can enhance the efficiency of energy-related materials and devices,” Fialkova explains. For instance, hydrophobic surfaces can reduce energy losses in power generation and transmission systems by minimizing water adhesion and corrosion. Additionally, the nanogrooves can serve as diffraction elements, offering decorative and anti-counterfeiting applications.
The research highlights the potential for cost-effective surface nanostructuring, which has previously been limited by the high costs of ultrashort pulse laser systems. “Our method provides a viable alternative for industries seeking to enhance material properties without breaking the bank,” Fialkova notes.
The ability to create uniform, high-quality nanostructures without defects is a game-changer. It paves the way for broader adoption of surface nanostructuring in various industrial applications, from energy to electronics and beyond. As Fialkova and her team continue to refine this technique, the future of material science looks increasingly promising.
This research not only lowers the barriers to entry for advanced surface treatments but also sets the stage for innovative applications in energy efficiency and security. By making high-quality nanostructuring accessible, Fialkova’s work could drive significant advancements in the field, shaping the future of industrial materials and technologies.