KAUST Researchers Innovate with New Nanoplastic for Eco-Friendly Street Lighting

Jeddah, March 19, 2025: A groundbreaking study conducted by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has revealed a new development that could revolutionize street lighting and help reduce carbon emissions. The research highlights how nanomaterials can significantly lower the carbon footprint of LED streetlights.

The innovative material, known as nanoPE, works by improving the emission of thermal radiation from LED lights, helping to lower the temperature of the LEDs. This is crucial because LEDs produce heat, which can damage their internal components and reduce their lifespan. Currently, around 75% of the energy consumed by LEDs is wasted as heat.

According to Professor Qiaoqiang Gan of KAUST, “LEDs are already an efficient and long-lasting light source, but even small improvements can have a huge impact on sustainability. By enhancing their performance, we can make a significant difference globally, especially since lighting accounts for nearly 20% of global electricity consumption and contributes to almost 6% of greenhouse gas emissions.”

Benefits for Saudi Arabia and Beyond

Dr. Hussam Qasem, General Manager of the Future Energy Technologies Institute at KACST, also emphasized the promise of this new design. He stated, “Our technology greatly improves LED cooling without compromising lighting efficiency, making it a strong candidate for sustainable street lighting in Saudi Arabia.”

Traditional LED streetlights typically direct their light downward toward the ground, trapping thermal radiation inside. However, LED streetlights coated with nanoPE are designed to direct their light upward, allowing infrared radiation, which causes heat, to pass through the material. This means more than 80% of infrared light emitted by the LEDs escapes into the sky, while over 95% of visible light is reflected back down to the ground to illuminate the area.

NanoPE is made from polyethylene, the most widely used plastic in the world. The key to its functionality lies in the tiny pores (30 nm in size) created within the plastic, which are 1,000 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair. These pores allow infrared light to pass through while reflecting visible light, making it ideal for street lighting.

The research is published in the Light: Science & Applications journal. In addition to Professor Gan, other key contributors include KAUST Professors Osman Bakr and Boon Ooi, postdoctoral researcher Saichao Dang, master’s student Hasan H. Almahfoudh, and KACST Assistant Professor Abdulrahman M. Alajlan.

This innovative approach offers a promising step toward more sustainable street lighting solutions, potentially benefiting not only Saudi Arabia but cities around the world looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Also Read: https://arabtimesnews.com/over-14-million-visitors-at-prophets-mosque-during-ramadan-so-far/