Leonard:Have you heard the latest news?The Chinese scientists have developed the lightest material in the world!
Penny:Oh,really?How do they make it?
Leonard:Well,they use a material called carbon aerogel derived by sol-gel chemistry.
Penny:But what is carbon aerogel?How could it be so light?
Leonard:Well,it appears in a solid state with many internal pores filled with air,and thus its minimal density is only 0.16 mg/cm 3 ,only one sixth of that of the air.
Penny:Ah,no wonder.So what can we do with that material?
Leonard:It is said that it plays an important role in pollution control such as oil spill control,water purification and even air purification.
Penny:I see.That'll be good for our environment.
Leonard:Yes and more than that!This excellent material is also ideal for energy storage insulation,catalytic carrier and sound-absorption.
Penny:That's really cool!I can't wait to see this material mass-produced.
Leonard:Indeed.With the freeze-drying approach the aerogel production process becomes more convenient and possible for mass application.
Penny:Fantastic!I want to learn more about it.Could you give me more details?
Leonard:Actually,you can search this research on SCI and the paper is published in the"Research Highlights"column in Nature.You can find it easily.
Penny:That's wonderful.Thank you very much.
Pair work.Start a conversation with your partner according to the following situation:
You've just got the news of a newly developed chemical material on the Internet and you are very excited to introduce it and talk with your classmates.
Language tips:
be derived by…
in a solid/liquid state
minimal density
air purification
production process
mass application
What can we do with that material?
I can't wait to see…
This excellent material is ideal for…
Rachel:My dear,what's the matter with your face?Your eyes look so dark.
Monica:Ah,I've been up facing the computer for my project the whole night.
Rachel:Oh,that's so bad.How about trying the Advanced Night Repair?It can make your skin look smoother,younger,healthier and more radiant.
Monica:Why,I don't like to put those poisonous chemicals on my face.
Rachel:In fact,this new face skincare is a world famous American brand in cosmetics industry.
Monica:Does it really work?I have never used any makeup before,you know.
Rachel:This product uses DNA technique to repair any visible signs of aging.
Monica:What's the DNA technique?Is it safe and reliable?
Rachel:It is a unique technique repairing the appearance of past damage.You'll see a visible improvement in the signs of aging—specifically lines,uneven skin tone and immediate hydration.
Monica:Sounds attractive to me.
Rachel:You bet.We have been in this line for 30 years and obtained more than 20 patents through continuous innovation.No one can match our comprehensive,high-performance anti-aging serum.
Monica:That's very impressive.If I buy it,is there any guarantee?
Rachel:Of course.We can give you free shipping and free returns,if you like.Millions of women around the world use it year after year.
Monica:OK,I will think about it.Thank you very much.
Pair work.Role-play with your partner according to the following situation:
You're a sales representative of a cosmetics company and you are going to recommend a newly launched product to customers.
Language tips:
face skincare
continuous innovation
safe and reliable
free shipping and free returns
It sounds attractive to me.
That's very impressive.
Is there any guarantee?
Let's Read and Write