What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A 3D-printed plastic cup made with gold nanoparticle ink was reported to look brown and opaque in one lighting condition, and purple and transparent in another. The effect comes from dichroic gold nanoparticles in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite—not from a beverage-temperature sensor. The cup was a research demonstration, not an established consumer product.
How does the gold nanoparticle cup change colour?
The reported colour shift depends on lighting and viewing conditions. The cup’s ink contains dichroic gold nanoparticles: particles whose optical appearance varies with the light passing through or interacting with them. In the demonstration, the plastic cup appeared brown and opaque in one condition and purple and transparent in another.
This is different from a thermochromic cup, which changes colour in response to temperature. The Chemistry World report describes an optical effect associated with the material, not a cup reacting to a hot or cold drink.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How the researchers made the printed cup
Chemistry World reported on 31 October 2018 that researchers at Wageningen University made larger, elongated gold nanoparticles using a modified Turkevich method. They combined the particles with PVA to create a nanocomposite ink, then used it to 3D-print a plastic cup.
#1 Best Overall
- HEAT CHANGE MUG: Enjoy retro refreshment while gaming with this Nintendo Game Boy heat change mug. Simply add a hot drink to see the screen of the classic handheld console load up with a game.
- HOT ITEM: For coffee lovers, the tea obsessed, or hot chocolate connoisseurs, the perfect mug makes every sip even better. Show off your style or give to friends for birthdays or any fun occasion.
- BOXED & READY TO GIVE: This 10 oz. mug comes in a decorative box for gifting. Hand wash only to keep your collectible like new. Not safe for microwave use. Caffeine not included.
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED MERCHANDISE: This quality collectible is a unique addition to any fan's set. Give this cool collector's item to moms, dads, fans, grads, kids, guys & gals who love pop culture fun!
- ORIGINAL GIFTWARE: For those in the fandom looking for novelty items and all things geek, crazy, and unique, Paladone is your best source for top-selling toys, mugs, collectibles, and novelties.
The report attributes the demonstration to Lars Kool, Anton Bunschoten, Aldrik Velders and Vittorio Saggiomo, and cites their 2018 ChemRxiv manuscript, DOI 10.26434/chemrxiv.7240766.v1. The reported description is not a complete fabrication protocol, so it should not be treated as instructions for reproducing the ink or cup.
How this differs from ordinary colour-changing cups
| Feature | Gold nanoparticle prototype | Chilled colour-changing cup |
|---|---|---|
| Stimulus | Lighting and viewing conditions, as described in the 2018 Chemistry World report. | Chilling, according to a separate Pens.com Canada product listing: Pens.com Canada listing. |
| Material system | Dichroic gold nanoparticles in a PVA nanocomposite ink, according to Chemistry World. | Not stated in the Pens.com Canada listing; the listing does not establish that the cup uses gold nanoparticles. |
| What the evidence establishes | A 3D-printed plastic research demonstration, reported by Chemistry World in 2018. | A vendor-listed product with a cold-triggered colour effect. |
| Use as drinkware | Food-contact safety and repeated-use durability are not established by the report. | The product listing presents a cup for sale; that does not establish anything about the research prototype. |
Is the gold nanoparticle cup available to buy?
The 2018 report describes a research prototype and does not establish mass-market availability. It also does not identify a marketed ink, printer, kit or supplier for making one. The researchers’ suggested areas such as artistic materials and optical filters are possible applications, not evidence of commercial deployment.
Rank #2
- Perfect Temperature Everytime: Ember Mug 2 offers up to 80 minutes of heat (120°F to 145°F) or all-day warmth on its charging coaster. Ideal for keeping drinks at the perfect temperature, perfect for desk use or as a thoughtful gift.
The demonstration should not be assumed safe for drinking: the report does not establish food-contact safety or repeated-use durability. A commercial chilled colour-changing cup is a different product category and does not reproduce the lighting-dependent effect described for the gold nanoparticle prototype.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteQuick Recap
Best Value
- Surprise Gift Idea: This heat-sensitive mug reveals a heartfelt message like “World’s Best Dad” when you pour in hot coffee or tea – the perfect emotional gift for birthdays, Father’s Day, or Christmas.
- Magic Color-Changing Effect: Made with thermochromic glaze, the black mug instantly transforms to full color when hot liquid is added – a fun daily ritual he’ll love.
- Premium Ceramic & Safe: 11oz large capacity, microwave and dishwasher safe, lead-free, and FDA compliant – built for everyday use.
- Unique & Thoughtful: Unlike generic mugs, this novelty coffee cup shows your love in a creative way – ideal for dads, teachers, best friends, or couples.
- Great Value: Comes in elegant gift-ready packaging – no need for extra wrapping!
Rank #4
- DESIGNED IN THE USA : This USA-designed cat coffee mug features a stunning silhouette of two cats in a vibrant flower field with butterflies floating around; a perfect gift for cat lovers, animal lovers, and nature enthusiasts
- 360-DEGREE COLOR-CHANGING DESIGN : Experience the magic of this interactive heat-changing cat mug; hot liquid reveals beautiful hidden flowers inside the silhouette of two cats, making it a must-have for cat lovers and coffee enthusiasts
- PERFECT FOR HOT BEVERAGES : Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, this color-changing cat mug reveals a charming flower-filled scene with every pour, making it a perfect choice for cat lovers and gift seekers
- 12 OZ CAPACITY : With a 12 oz capacity, this cat color-changing coffee mug is ideal for hot drinks; enjoy your favorite coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in this beautifully designed cup, making it a great addition to any cat lover's collection
- DURABLE CERAMIC MATERIAL : Crafted from high-quality, heat-resistant ceramic, this color-changing cat coffee mug is built to withstand daily use; the heat-activated design stays vibrant after multiple washes, perfect for everyday cat-themed drinkware
Rank #3
- MAGIC COLOR CHANGE: Pour a hot beverage over 60°C into the coffee cup, and the black pattern instantly blooms into vibrant sunflowers! This is the sweetest way to tell your beloved, “You are my sunshine,” making every sip a delightful surprise.
- FINE BONE CHINA: High-temperature fired, manufactured strictly to daily-use safety standards. Finer texture, lighter weight, thinner walls, delicate translucency and enhanced durability versus ordinary ceramic.
- DAILY ESSENTIAL: This 12 oz (355ml) coffee mug & tea cup is perfectly sized for coffee, tea, hot cocoa, milk and other daily drinks. Ideal for home and office use to meet your everyday needs.
- EXQUISITE PACKAGING: Presented in an elegant lavender gift box with a heartfelt greeting card, ready to gift without extra wrapping. A perfect unique novelty gift for women on birthdays, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas—ideal for mom, sister, best friend and teacher.
- LONG-LASTING CARE: The heat-sensitive color changing design is permanently baked onto the surface. With proper care, the color-changing effect can last over 10 years. Hand wash only. Avoid scratching. Do not heat in a microwave or oven.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
