Eco Factor: MIT researchers create synthetic, self-assembling chloroplast that restores solar cells damaged by the sun.
Scientists have mimicked nature numerous times to facilitate technological advancements that have leaped mankind into a sci-fi age. Researchers at the MIT have replicated a similar feat yet again by creating a synthetic, self-assembling chloroplast that restores solar cells that are damaged by the sun.
The team a set of seven different compounds including carbon nanotubes, synthetic phospholipids and other molecules that interact with incoming photons to release electrons and self assemble into the reaction centers. To facilitate assembling the solution is pushed through a membrane to remove the surfactant from it so that the components reassemble once again to harness solar energy. The team hopes to improve the cell efficiency from its current 40 percent efficiency levels and make it much higher.
Via: PopSci
