Researchers from the Queensland University of Technology have developed a method of using human hair waste to make OLED displays.

This process involves transforming small hair strands into carbon nanodots, uniformly dispersing in a polymer and allowing them to form “nano-islands”. These nano-islands can then be used as an active layer in OLED devices.

“Waste is a big problem,” Associate Professor Prashant Sonar said. “Human hair derived carbon dot-based organic light-emitting devices could be used for some indoor applications such as smart packaging.

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The researchers found that the carbon nanodots from human hair were not bright enough for TV screens, but could be used for a range of other flexible OLED screens.

“They could also be used where a small light source is required such as in signs or in smart bands and could be used in medical devices because of the non-toxicity of the material.”

The research team is now looking into whether the same results could be replicated from animal hair.