SEM image of VOC-attracting surface (IMAGE) Rice University Caption A scanning electron microscope image (scale bar is 500 billionths of a meter in length) reveals myriad imperfections like those that Rice University engineers created on the interior walls of materials storage containers. The imperfections keep the surfaces of stored materials clean by attracting volatile organic compounds from air that gets sealed inside the containers. Credit Credit: Preston Innovation Laboratory/Rice University Usage Restrictions Must credit: Preston Innovation Laboratory/Rice University License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.