Researchers at the University of British Columbia in Canada report the accidental creation of a new ultra-dark material during experiments connected to lime trees. The team describes the material as a potential game changer for a range of technologies, including telescope components, solar panels, and precision jewelry. The findings were published in a research outlet focused on sustainable science, AdvSustSys, positioned to highlight advances in materials with practical applications across industry and science.
Ultra-black surfaces are defined by their ability to absorb more than 99% of incoming light. By comparison, typical matte black coatings absorb about 97.5% and reflect a portion of light that would otherwise be captured by the surface. The material from this study stands out for its exceptional light absorption, which can reduce glare and stray light in optical systems and potentially boost the efficiency of energy harvesting devices.
Discovery details show that the researchers treated wood using high-energy plasma, a process that enhances the material’s properties by altering its surface structure and making it more resistant to water intrusion. This plasma-assisted modification appears to drive the surface to an ultra-dark state while maintaining stability under practical conditions, opening doors to real-world use in demanding environments.
As interest in ultra-black materials grows within astronomy and photonics, coatings of this type are valued for their ability to minimize stray light inside instruments. When stray light is curtailed, imaging clarity improves—a critical factor for telescopes and other observational equipment. Beyond astronomy, such coatings could raise the efficiency of solar cells by maximizing light capture at the device’s surface and reducing reflective losses that typically limit performance.
The researchers named the new material “Nixylon,” drawing inspiration from Nyx, the Greek goddess associated with night, and from the Greek word xylon, meaning wood. This naming reflects the material’s wooden origin and its night-like, absorbent properties. The codename also underscores a blend of natural materials with advanced processing techniques to produce a functional outcome suitable for modern optics and energy technologies.
In tests, plasma-treated wood demonstrated persistent ultra-dark characteristics even when subsequently coated with conductive alloys. The team attributes this resilience to the wood’s internal structure, which effectively suppresses light reflection. The material’s microstructure appears to trap light across a broad spectrum, helping it maintain its black appearance under various electrical or environmental conditions. Such durability is essential for applications where materials must perform reliably over long periods in field deployments.
Because linden, the tree used in the study, is both affordable and widely available, the researchers see real potential for lowering production costs in precision optical instruments and related devices. A scalable manufacturing pathway is an important advantage, particularly for organizations seeking high-performance coatings without prohibitive expense. If validated at larger scales, the approach could influence the design of consumer and industrial optics alike, expanding access to advanced coatings for a broader range of products.
Earlier research in other regions, notably Russia, has produced independently developed ultra-black materials for solar applications. While different in approach and materials, these parallel efforts collectively indicate a growing global interest in exploiting highly absorbent surfaces to improve the efficiency and performance of energy devices and optical systems. The Canadian work adds a distinct angle by leveraging wood-based substrates and a plasma-treatment route, potentially offering a cost-effective platform for future innovations. Attribution: AdvSustSys.
Further investigations are expected to verify long-term stability, optical performance across wavelengths, and compatibility with various coatings used in industry and research settings.