Single-celled marine life forms called diatoms are about to light up our lives.
Oregon State University and Portland State University have been working with the rigid-shelled creatures in a new type of solar cell that functions at the nanotechnology level.
Biology replaces conventional semiconductor application by using the skeletons of the tiny diatoms on a conductive glass surface to create a grid into which a soluble titanium dioxide is fed. The resulting film facilitates dye-sensitized technology in which photons bounce around pinball fashion striking dyes and producing electricity.
This technology is slightly more expensive than other dye-sensitized methods, but has the potential for triple the electrical output.
The video above explains the overall concept of dye-sensitized electrical generation.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Bio-solar Film
- Using diatom skeletons in a conductive grid creates a new type of solar cell that functions at the nanotechnology level with potential for triple the electrical output.
- Dye-sensitized Technology
- Facilitating photosensitive molecule reactions that efficiently generate electrical energy creates cost effective and environmentally friendly solar panel technology.
- Nanotech Solar Panels
- Using nanotechnology in solar panel technology increases efficiency and output that creates new industry opportunities.
Where This Applies
- Renewable Energy Industry
- Adopting nanotech solar panels that utilize dye-sensitized nanostructured semiconductors that have higher output would be a disruption in the renewable energy industry.
- Technology Industry
- The use of nanotechnology in the development of dye sensitized nanocrystals in next-generation photovoltaic technologies would disrupt the technology industry.
- Materials Science Industry
- The development of diatom bio-solar film technology for solar panels would disrupt the materials science industry's manufacturing processes.
