Eco Factor: Organic cells modified to generate more electricity.
Researchers at the Wake Forest University in North Carolina have made a breakthrough by developing organic solar cells with a layer of optical fiber bristles that doubles the performance of the cells in tests. The prototype solar cell has been developed by David Carroll, who is the chief scientist at a spin-off company called FiberCell.
The best solar cells of today are nearly 8 percent efficient and researchers have been trying hard to better the chemistry of the cells to make these cells up to 10 percent efficient. Carroll believes that changes in the chemistry alone won’t suffice, as a change in the architecture of these cells is also needed.
The problem with standard flat panels is that some sunlight is lost through reflection. To reduce this effect, Carroll’s team has taken a dramatic approach by stamping optical fibers onto a polymer substrate that forms the foundation of the cell. These fibers, which Carroll refers to as “Light Pipes,” are surrounded by thin organic solar cells applied using a dip-coating process, and a light absorbing dye or polymer is also sprayed onto the surface. Light can enter the tip of a fiber at any angle. Photons then bounce around inside the fiber until they are absorbed by the surrounding organic cell.
Via: Technology Review
