Photoinduced Reversible Formation of Microfibrils on a Photochromic Diarylethene Microcrystalline Surface

by Kingo Uchida et al. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 22 Aug 2006 (online) Scientists in Japan have developed a material that becomes water repellent when it is illuminated with ultraviolet light. The properties of the material mimic those of the lotus blossom -- a flower which is renowned for being immaculately clean. What's more, the effect is reversible as team can switch the material back to its original state using visible light. The secret behind the lotus effect is a special microstructure on the plant's leaves. This structure forces water droplets to form beads which roll off of the surface picking up any dirt particles they encounter. Read more