Recently, the research team of the University of North Carolina showed a magical hydrogel solar cell - artificial leaves, artificial leaves that can generate electricity. This new solar cell is more environmentally friendly and cheaper than silicon cells. Artificial leaves, artificial leaves that generate current, this new type of solar cell is more environmentally friendly and cheaper than silicon cells. Researchers use chlorophyll in plants as a light-sensing factor, inject into hydrostatic cells made of flexible cells, and add carbon materials such as An electrode coated with graphite or carbon nanotubes, the photoreceptor produces current under sunlight.
One of the researchers, Professor Olin of North Carolina State University, said that although synthetic photosensitizers can be used for solar cells, researchers have been working hard to find greener ways to use solar energy. Since objects from nature, such as chlorophyll, contain a hydrogel matrix, they can be used in new types of solar cells.
Since this concept has been validated, what researchers need to do is make this new type of hydrogel cell more like a real leaf. The next step in this research is to simulate the plant's self-regeneration mechanism and increase the efficiency of new batteries. Professor Olin said that although the efficiency of the new battery is still very low at this stage and it will take a long time to be used in real life, this idea of ​​using currents generated by objects in nature may replace the existing transistor technology in the future. It can be imagined that the future roof will be covered with a beautiful scene of solar cells with artificial leaves.
It is reported that this research project was jointly funded by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratories and the U.S. Department of Energy, while Chung-Ang University also participated in some research.