Phase III - Development of superhydrophobic surfaces for sanitation solutions
2017 - 2020 • University of Rochester
Purpose
To develop and test low-cost sanitary public waste facilities suitable for implementation in poor communities
Activities
Information from press release in November 2017:
Professor Chunlei Guo of the Institute of Optics has received $1.5 million in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for his research developing superhydrophobic (water repellent) surfaces. Guo and his team use a powerful laser-patterning technique to create an intricate pattern of micro- and nanoscale structures, giving the metals their new properties. As water bounces off the superhydrophobic surfaces, it also collects dust and other particles. One application — of particular interest to the Gates Foundation — is creating latrines that are cleaner and healthier to use in poor nations. “In the past couple of years, we developed the superhydrophobic surface technology under the support of the Gates project,” Guo said. “With this next phase of funding, we want to bring our technology to real-world applications, especially for sanitation purposes in developing countries.”
Countries of activity
Location of main activity
Filter tags
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Fundamental research and engineering Global North America Product design and engineering University, education or research institution
Links
Uploaded by:
Elisabeth von Muench (Elisabeth)
