Transparent aluminum oxide (TAlOx), a real material despite its sci-fi name, is incredibly hard and resistant to scratches, making it perfect for protective coatings on electronics, optical sensors, and solar panels. On the sci-fi show Star Trek, it is even used for starship windows and spacefaring aquariums.
Can’t see the actual paper with out paying for a journal subscription. And it’s not mentioned anywhere what acid they used. Is this something I could try myself? It looks simple. Drop some acid on some aluminum and apply a voltage.