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Oil spill cleanup by sponge: Madison scientists tout tidy technology

February 26, 2014
 
In a development arising from nanotechnology research, scientists in Madison have created a spongelike material that could provide a novel and sustainable way to clean up oil spills.
 
It's known as an aerogel, but it could just as well be called a "smart sponge."
 
To demonstrate how it works, researchers add a small amount of red dye to diesel, making the fuel stand out in a glass of water. The aerogel is dipped in the glass and within minutes, the sponge has soaked up the diesel. The aerogel is now red, and the glass of water is clear.