David Kisailus, an assistant professor at the University of California, is pioneering the development of a more affordable nanomaterial inspired by the unique dental structures found in a marine organism known as *Haliotis rufescens*, commonly called the red abalone. His research focuses on improving the performance of solar cells and lithium-ion batteries by mimicking the natural strength and resilience of these sea creatures’ teeth.
In a recent study published in *Advanced Functional Materials*, Kisailus and his team explored the structure and composition of the abalone’s teeth. The paper was co-authored by students from his lab, as well as researchers from Harvard University, Chapman University, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory. The study highlights how these teeth, which grow along the Pacific coast from California to Alaska, have evolved to be incredibly tough and durable.
The abalone's teeth are part of its radula, a ribbon-like structure with rows of tiny, chitinous teeth that function like a conveyor belt. These teeth are used to scrape algae off rocks, and they continuously regenerate. As one row wears down, a new one moves forward, ensuring the abalone can keep feeding efficiently over time. This self-repairing mechanism caught Kisailus’s attention years ago when he began exploring materials with exceptional wear and impact resistance.
His research revealed that the abalone’s teeth contain magnetite, one of the hardest biominerals found in nature. This mineral gives the teeth their remarkable strength and magnetic properties. In his latest paper, titled *"Phase Transformation and Structure Development in Stones and Teeth,"* Kisailus investigated how the teeth develop their hardness and magnetic characteristics.
The process involves the transformation of hydrous iron oxide (ferrihydrite) into magnetite through a solid-phase reaction. The magnetite then aligns along organic fibers, forming parallel structures that enhance the tooth’s durability. Crucially, this entire process occurs at room temperature and under environmentally friendly conditions—making it highly promising for sustainable nanomaterial production.
Inspired by this natural system, Kisailus is now applying these principles to create advanced materials for solar cells and batteries. By controlling the size, shape, and orientation of engineered nanomaterials, he aims to boost energy efficiency. For solar cells, this could mean capturing more sunlight and converting it into electricity more effectively. For lithium-ion batteries, it might lead to faster charging times.
Another benefit of this approach is the ability to produce nanocrystals at lower temperatures, significantly reducing manufacturing costs. While Kisailus’s current work focuses on energy storage and conversion, the same techniques could be applied to a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and even medical devices.
Additionally, understanding the formation of these biological structures could help improve the design of drilling tools and other industrial equipment. The collaborative effort behind this research included Qianqian Wang, Michiko Nemoto, Dongsheng Li, Garrett W. Milliron, Brian Weden, and Lesli R. Wood, with key contributors such as James C. Weaver (now at Harvard), John Stegemeier, Christopher S. Kim (Chapman University), and Elaine DiMasi (Brookhaven National Laboratory).
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