Scientists believe that a recently-developed technological process may lead in the near future to solar cells that are capable of arranging themselves into the most efficient pattern for energy production.The individual cells would bring themselves together in a manner similar to a molecular “flash mob,” which means that they will be able to repair the ware damage they will inevitably experience.
As solar cells are used for prolonged periods of time, they start developing all sorts of marks, which are signs of natural wear. Imagine having solar cell that would heal themselves, and mitigate for such damage.
According to a new scientific paper published in the September 5 issue of the esteemed journal Nature Chemistry, cheap, self-repairing solar cells are now possible.
The new devices would have an unlimited lifespan, the creators of the new technique say, given that they will be able to repair their own damages with great efficiency, and on many instances.
“It’s a man-made version of what nature does. This really looks like ground-breaking seminal work; I’ve never seen anything remotely like it,” says Jaime Grunlan.
He is an expert in nanocomposite materials at the Texas A&M University, in College Station,
Science News reports.
The scientist explains that, even in nature, sunlight can damage the leafs of plants trying to make photosynthesis. As such, new centers to carry out the reactions are being constantly produced.
The chemical reaction – which on the one hand allows life to endure on Earth – is producing destructive types of oxygen, and is also battered by intense ultraviolet radiation.
What the research team did was mimic nature. This means that the group renounced\ making very durable solar cells, but rather focused on creating some that could be easily replaced.
The work was conducted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) chemical engineer Michael Strano and University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign scientists Stephen Sligar and Colin Wraight.
“The idea that it happens reversibly and at will is quite amazing. It approaches what happens in biology – forming a huge amount of order with the flip of a switch,” Strano says of the new technoque.
“It’s kind of like taking puzzle pieces and throwing them up in the air and them coming down assembled,” he adds.
“This is very nice work – the procedure they’ve got, the control they have over the system. It’s simple, it’s very nice,” adds University of Bristol biochemist Mike Jones, who was not a part of the work.
Find us on Google+
