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MIT Creates Low-Cost Solar Cell From Plants
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A researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology turns agricultural waste such as cut grass and dead leaves into low-tech and inexpensive solar panels.
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Friday, February 03, 2012:
For years, scientists have sought to make solar cells from the photosynthesising molecules, using a process called photosystem-I (PS-I). However, this set of molecules present within plant cells required specialised thin-film deposition and optical equipment. Also, the current produced was too low.
A researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Andreas Mershin, has now created a solar cell using a combination of new materials. These materials isolate the PS-I molecules and create tiny zinc oxide nanowires which carry the flow of current and provide a large surface area.
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Mershin has actually simplified the process so much so that any student could build them. Using cheap chemicals, it provides a DIY solution for generating power from the Sun. "Take that bag (of chemicals), mix it with anything green and paint it on the roof," said Mershin.
He added, "After many ears of research, we've managed to make the process of extracting this protein and stabilising it and putting on a surface that is made in a way to allow for the photovoltaic effect to happen to be very easy."
Monika Bhati, EFYTIMES News Network
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Daily App Review: Klik For iPhone |
| Among all the gadgetry on display in Mission Impossible IV, perhaps the most striking was an iPhone app that could identify people who appeared on the... |
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