Hiroshima University scientists claim to have created them the first LED spotlight made from rice husks. The study reveals the possibility of processing agricultural residues in cost-effective emitters. Likewise, they ensure that the process minimizes the use of toxic materials such as cadmium and other heavy materials, aiming to be as environmentally harmful as possible.
Rice can end up becoming an LED
The researchers base their research on the luminescent properties of silicon porous (yes). It is an abundant material in nature, non-toxic and with interesting features. Its microscopic dot structures give it these photoluminescent properties, so they looked for a way to turn rice husks into light emitters.
The process used a combination of shell grinding, heat treatment and chemical etching of the shell to process the silicon dioxide itself (a compound of silicon and oxygen (SiO2)). The shells are a source of high-purity silicon dioxide and after processing, crystalline particles are obtained, which can offer a luminescence efficiency of more than 20%.
These 3nm microparticles are used to assemble LEDs. in summary, The shells are processed to obtain luminous microcrystalsand the same are used to build LED emitters.
“By synthesizing high-throughput SiQDs from rich shells and dispersing them in organic solvents, it is possible that these processes could one day be implemented on a large scale like other high-throughput chemical processes.” Ken-Ichi Saitow, Researcher.
This research is just the beginning of something bigger. The researchers of the curious experiment point out that the same process can be carried out with bamboo, sugar cane, wheat or barley to make use of the waste trays.
More information | Hiroshima et al.