Televisions, smartphones, and other screen-based technologies are ingrained in our modern lifestyles.
Innovators and engineers are finding ways to embed digital displays into watches, vehicles, mirrors, and more. Unfortunately, as demand for these devices continues to rise, producing these light-emitting materials is taking quite a toll on our planet.
Researchers at Yale University investigated the issue with scientists at Nottingham Trent University in England, ultimately developing an eco-conscious alternative to conventional “photoluminescent” materials.
The standard method for producing these solid-state light-emitting substances tends to rely on resources that don’t degrade organically in nature, including some toxic metals.
However, as the team observed, “Advanced photonic technologies can be both high performing and sustainably designed.”
The study, published in the journal Chem, described the process of using lignin for photoluminescence.
Lignin — a rigid polymer found in plant cell walls and a byproduct of the paper industry — consists of certain light-reactive “phenolic” groups that become energized and fluoresce under proper UV light conditions. It works much the same way as conventional light-emitting materials that absorb UV rays and re-emit them later.
The researchers combined lignin with the amino acid histidine to create a range of solid-state biodegradable options.
This new technique addresses several environmental concerns at once. By swapping out nonrenewable substances for safe organic matter, the production process for these photoluminescent materials becomes more sustainable and helps us lower our dependence on our planet’s more finite or potentially harmful resources.
It’s also a useful way to repurpose the waste products of the wood-pulping and paper industry into usable lignin.
Meanwhile, the fact that the material can break down naturally can help reduce strain on already overflowing and polluting landfills when light-emitting products are disposed of.
In the meantime, many stores accept electronic waste, such as televisions, laptops, and smartphones, and you can even make money when trading in your old tech.
“This is an excellent example of green and sustainable chemistry,” explained Nottingham Trent researcher Dr. Darren Lee. “In this study, we not only simplified the synthesis of these materials but also utilized abundant waste streams to produce tunable materials in a safer way.”
The team’s research was released in mid-October, so hopefully, we could see greener light-emitting alternatives sooner rather than later.
Get TCD’s free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD’s exclusive Rewards Club.
