Nanopaper is a 3D rendering of thermally stable nanomaterial s made of long nanowire s created from titanium oxide using a hydrothermal heating process.

Nanopaper was created by chemists at the University of Arkansas. While nanopaper can withstand temperatures up to 700 degrees Celsius , it can also be folded by hand and cut with scissors. Potential uses include filtration of bacteria and pathogens, applications in protective clothing and flame-retardant fabrics, time-released drug capsules and even regeneration of tissue.

Nanopaper also has potential applications as a photocatalyst , as it can regenerate its chemical composition after exposure to UV light. As is the case with many forms of nanotechnology , real-world, commercial applications of nanopaper are still in development.

20 Oct 2006