A New Solar Cell that Models Photosynthesis!

Photosynthesis is Mother Nature’s way of converting sunlight into energy that eventually sustains all life on earth! Here’s a type of solar cell that will model this elementary process of energy generation in order to power numerous consumer products in the future…

If you remember…

Your elementary science you will recall that Chlorophyll is what leaves use to initiate photosynthesis. Much the same way this new technology uses a photosensitive dye for energy production!

The dye-sensitized solar cells…

Will be used to provide power for devices ranging from e-book readers to cell phones and music players.

The technology works best…

In direct sunshine apparently. However, the cells will also make good use of dappled and ambient light, including the indoor light of fluorescent bulbs for energy generation.

So what’s special about this technology?

Most photovoltaic cells are based on silicon or related inorganic materials. But here a dye is used! Within the solar cell, the dye is painted in a thin layer on a porous titanium dioxide scaffold to collect light and, in a series of steps, create power. The cells can draw on many surprising sources of light, and in one particular case they even generated voltage from moonlight!

The solar panels…

Can be installed on tennis bags, backpacks and messenger bags that have battery chargers within, as well as on bicycle, golf, shopping and beach bags. Owners can plug their phones and music players into the bag for recharging, using a USB cord.