# Nanotech Solar Panels Bio-Solar Film Uses Algae Skeletons to Make Electricity By Katie Cordrey | Published 2009-04-13 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nanotech-solar-panels-bio-solar-film-uses-diatoms-algae-skeletons-to-make-e References: [livescience](http://www.livescience.com/technology/090408-solar-life.html) & [osufoundation.org](http://osufoundation.org/news/featurednews/current/wicks_street/index.php) Single-celled marine life forms called diatoms are about to light up our lives. [Oregon State University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oregon-episcopal-school) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-energy-harvesting) 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 59% | Activity: 91% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ultra-Thin Solar Panel Coatings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-panel-2.md) - [Lunar Material-Based Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-dust.md) - [Exceptionally Efficient Solar Cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-solar-cell.md) - [Efficient Scalable Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovskia-solar.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levante-origami-solar-panel.md) - [Colored Glass Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beautiful-solar-panels.md) - [Algae-Powered Rover Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-rover.md) - [Origami-Inspired Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sego-innovations.md) - [Solar-Powered Sleek Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solaris.md)