Researchers Create Glowing Nanocellulose Paper

[Webster]

Sci News: Researchers Create Glowing Nanocellulose Paper

Experts have long predicted the coming age of flexible electronics, and researchers around the world have been working on multiple fronts to reach that goal. But many of the advances rely on petroleum-based plastics and toxic materials.

Sichuan University scientists co-led by Dr Yu-zhong Wang and Dr Fei Song wanted to seek a greener way forward. They developed a thin, clear nanocellulose paper made out of wood flour and infused it with biocompatible quantum dots – tiny, semiconducting crystals – made out of zinc and selenium.

The paper glowed at room temperature and could be rolled and unrolled without cracking.

“We describe a facile way to fabricate a novel transparent and photoluminescent foldable nanocellulose paper with impressive light emitting, mechanical properties, and thermal stability,” the scientists wrote in the study published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

“This material can bring a new thinking on future electronic displays and 3D printing papers.”

Thoughts?

 

[DrLeftover]

Over-exposure to Selenium can be just as toxic as petroleum based products. And it will absorb through the skin as well.

So, "being greener" isn't necessarily safer, considering how many people spend ALL DAY holding their phone or with their bluetooth earpiece in their ear.

What are the risks of taking selenium?

• Side effects. Taken at normal doses, selenium does not usually have side effects. An overdose of selenium may cause bad breath, fever, nausea, and liver, kidney and heart problems. At high enough levels, selenium could cause death.
• Interactions. Selenium may also interact with other medicines and supplements, such as antacids, chemotherapy drugs, corticosteroids, niacin, cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, and birth control pills.
• Skin cancer. Selenium supplements are associated with a risk of skin cancer ( squamous cell carcinoma), so people at high risk of skin cancer should not take these supplements.
• Diabetes. One study found that people who took 200 micrograms a day of selenium were 50% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. So far, it's unknown if the selenium actually caused the disease. Discuss the risk with your doctor.

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-selenium?page=2