Hydrophobic nanomaterial

In another area of Eni-funded research, MIT researchers are developing a paper-based material that can absorb oil when spilled in water. The process is to treat paper with a nanomaterial that attracts oil but does not absorb water. The research is in the early stage, but MIT said that in less a decade it could be integrated into buoys that would collect spilled oil in the ocean.

See related story, MIT's paper chase: Cheap solar cells.