LCDs can be transformed from e-waste to infection fighters, says new research
By Laura June 
posted June 24th 2010 5:27AM
posted June 24th 2010 5:27AM
Researchers at the University of York have discovered a possible use for discarded LCDs which should come as a relief to anyone familiar with the world's rampant e-waste problem. According to the report, which will be presented today at the Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference in Washington, D.C., a process of heating, then cooling and dehydrating the PVA (polyvinyl-alcohol, the key component of LCDs) with ethanol produces a surface area of mesoporous material with great potential for use in biomedicine. The resultant product's anti-microbial properties can now be enhanced by adding silver nanoparticles, producing something which is anti-bacterial and can kill things like E.coli. The potential application of course, is that hospital surfaces could be made of it in the future. This is just one (major) step in a long-term project, so don't expect to see it in real life anytime soon.
I used to have 2 of those 172x samsungs, they were so awesome in the day
@Fantastadon
What a monitor!
Still got one going strong here! Styling is still fantastic - if only they would make a 22"/24" today with the same styling!
@JonnyBase
What model is that monitor? It's really nice looking, would love to pick one up if you know what it is.
WTF is Biomedicine? Biological Medicine? What was it before?
@Locust
Umbrella Corporation.
I have a 172x in storage. Nice monitor for it's day... Until the backlight died :(
@trek
So why do you still have it in storage? Throw it out! For Science! You monster!
If we wait too long, the E.coli will just mutate and take over people's mind's!
so can I have my recycling fee back?
Since most of the junk TVs have Vizio on the front of them, does Vizio get naming rights to a hospital of the future built with their crap?
Thats great that it can kill E.coli, but more importantly can it kill MRSA?
With as many LCD monitors that are disposed of everyday, this could really be an amazing development. We see hundreds of LCD screens a week in our facility, and I wonder if these could be refurbished for this use?