Replicating Hardest Known Biomaterial Could Improve Solar Cells and Batteries

cylonlover writes "Inspired by the tough teeth of a marine snail and the remarkable process by which they form, assistant professor David Kisailus at the University of California, Riverside is working toward building cheaper, more efficient nanomaterials. By achieving greater control over the low-temperature growth of nanocrystals (abstract), his research could improve the performance of solar cells and lithium-ion batteries, lead to higher-performance materials for car and airplane frames, and help develop abrasion-resistant materials that could be used for anything from specialized clothing to dental drills."

Comments

Sounds like a usless idea

[Sir or Madman]

Solar cells are typically not used for mastication.

Futurama

[ArcadeMan]

"Inspired by the tough teeth of a marine snail and the remarkable process by which they form [...] and help develop abrasion-resistant materials that could be used for anything from specialized clothing to dental drills."

Thompson's Teeth. The only teeth stong enough to eat other teeth!

Re:And shields, don't forget shields

[K. S. Kyosuke]

Snail mail: tougher than plate mail and ring mail?