Displays from Human Hair

Hair is a natural source of carbon and nitrogen, both of which are needed to produce light emitting particles. Now a process that converts human hair into a new type of flexible display could turn a waste problem into a valuable material.

The method, developed by Australian researchers, breaks down hair collected at a local barbershop and heats it to 240 degrees Celsius (about 465 degrees Fahrenheit). This removes the proteins and keratin, leaving a material with a molecular structure that contains both carbon and nitrogen. These carbon nanodots self-assemble into small groups dubbed nano-islands, which can be used to form the active layer of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). When a small voltage is applied, the device glows with a blue color.

The displays could be used for smart labels to indicate expiration dates on food items. They might also be used in wearable devices, or even as sensors for certain chemicals. The next step is to determine whether hair from other animals will provide similar results.