MolecularGRIPTM, a solvent-free surface functionalization technology reducing the need for dangerous chemicals developed by Molecular Plasma Group, was attributed the “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution” Label following an assessment performed by external independent experts and based on verified standards. It is thereby joining the #1000solutions challenge, an initiative by the Solar Impulse Foundation to select solutions that meet high standards in profitability and sustainability and present them to decision-makers to fast-track their implementation.

The Solution provides a new manufacturing technology for surface functionalization that enables a dramatic reduction of the amount of chemistry required compared to incumbent wet-chemical technologies. It uses super-low energy cold atmospheric plasma as a tool to graft a nanometric layer of the desired functional chemistry onto the substrate. Typical applications include surface priming of inert materials prior to adhesive bonding, safe virucidal functionality on PPE and air filters using citric acid, bactericidal functionality on textiles, silicon-free and fluor-free release coatings, single-step immobilization of biomolecules such as antibodies and anti-biofouling coatings. The Solution is highly scalable and easily adaptable to many functionalities and production processes. The environmental impact of The Solution is very low as it is almost emission-free, uses extremely low amounts of chemistry and very little energy.

To receive the “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution” Label, MPG’s MolecularGRIPTM solution was thoroughly assessed by a pool of independent experts according to 5 criteria covering the three main topics of Feasibility, Environmental and Profitability. All labelled solutions are part of the #1000solutions portfolio that will be presented to decision-makers in business and government by Bertrand Piccard, Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation. The aim of this initiative is to encourage the adoption of more ambitious environmental targets and fast-track the implementation of these solutions on a large scale.