Canadian scientists have developed a smart organic material called CNF-SP aerogel that can absorb or repel spilled oil. This material can be used as a sponge to quickly clean up marine oil spills before they reach the shore and mix with or poison sand, vegetation, and wildlife. The CNF-SP aerogel combines a biodegradable cellulose-based material with a substance called spiropyran, which is sensitive to light and has a unique “switchable” property, allowing the aerogel to switch from being oil-absorbent to oil-repellent. Dr. Baiyu Helen Zhang, professor and Canada Research Chair at Memorial University of Newfoundland, explains, “Once spiropyran has been … Continue reading A Revolutionary Sponge for Oil Spill Cleanup in Frigid Waters: Discover How Canadian Scientists Pioneer CNF-SP Aerogel