Researchers in South Korea have created a special memory chip that can dissolve in water. This new invention could help reduce the growing problem of electronic waste, which is a serious environmental issue. A breakthrough was made by scientists at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). They developed a new material called PCL-TEMPO. This material is made by combining TEMPO, a molecule that can store electric signals, with polycaprolactone (PCL), a type of plastic that breaks down naturally. Together, they make a memory device that can both store data and disappear safely in water.

"This achievement is technologically significant as it marks the first example of integrating physical self-destruction into a high-performance organic memory device," said Dr Sangho Cho, one of the lead scientists on the project.

He added, "In the future, we aim to evolve this into an 'intelligent transient electronic device' by incorporating self-healing and photo-responsive capabilities, accelerating the commercialisation of next-generation bioelectronics and eco-friendly devices."

The chip is not only biodegradable but also works very well. It can store data for over 10,000 seconds and can switch between On and Off more than one million times. Even after 250 write-erase cycles and being bent over 3,000 times, the device still works fine. This shows that it is both strong and reliable, which is rare for organic electronic devices.

The memory chip can also be used inside the human body. Scientists can adjust how thick it is or what it’s made of to decide when it will start dissolving. Once it begins to break down, the material disappears completely in about three days, leaving behind no waste.

Plastic that disappears in oceans

Earlier this month, Japanese scientists also shared good news. They developed a new plastic that dissolves in seawater. This plastic is safe for people, does not release harmful gases, and even turns into nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are good for plants and ocean life.

These new discoveries give hope for a cleaner and safer future with less plastic and e-waste harming our planet.

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