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Plastic solar cells on a nano scale
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Nanotechnology for Solar
We are all awaiting that smoking gun breakthrough that is going to help us solve our energy problems for the coming century. We see images of a green economy while the oil executives fry in the electric chair (solar or wind electricity perhaps). Many researchers say we are on the edge of where we need to be, almost there, while others say a solar and wind powered economy is a dream.
Interesting new developments in nanotechnology have raised some eyebrows. David Ginger, who is an associated professor of chemistry at the University of Washington, is working with a team of researchers on nano plastic solar cells. For those technologically inclined, we know that nanotechnology's potential is almost unlimited.
Ginger and others are working on a process that implants nano channels inside plastic solar cells. These bubbles and channels would be 10,000 times smaller than a human hair, and created through a baking process called annealing. This process makes for a much more efficient panel.
Nano-tech will be big in helping us achieve these goals, including satisfying energy demand for the 21st century. Researchers are working with plastic solar cells to charge small things like cell phones, but have their sights set on big scale projects for the near future.
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