A major technological advance
Researchers at the Ted Sargent team in Canada (MIT Laboratory Microphotonics and Nortel Networks) developed a plastic that combines quantum dots, which are tiny semiconductors, with a polymer. The nanoparticles obtained, which measure between 2 and 4 nanometers, are capable of capturing the wavelengths of the solar spectrum such as infrared.
They convert light energy into electricity with an efficiency 5 times higher than conventional photovoltaic cells. Indeed, conventional solar panels only use half of the solar energy received and have a yield limited to 6%. The solar plastic of Ted SARGENT's team is capable, at least in the laboratory and according to Professor Peter PEUMANS of Stanford University, of an efficiency of 30%.
They convert light energy into electricity with an efficiency 5 times higher than conventional photovoltaic cells. Indeed, conventional solar panels only use half of the solar energy received and have a yield limited to 6%. The solar plastic of Ted SARGENT's team is capable, at least in the laboratory and according to Professor Peter PEUMANS of Stanford University, of an efficiency of 30%.
Which applications?
Among the possible applications it is possible to place the nanoparticles in paints or in clothes and form photosensitive films. These films could cover a wide range of surfaces such as walls or our jackets. They will then be able to charge phones, music players and this without any son.
The question is whether this technology will overcome the technical and financial obstacles to industrial scale production.
source: Notre-Planete.info