Self-Cleaning Solar Panels

Tel Aviv University researchers looking for an Alzheimer’s cure got an unexpected nanotech discovery that could mean better solar and battery power. The discovery involves peptides that self-assemble in a vacuum. The end result is a nanocoating, a forest of tiny grass-like tubes that repel dust and water. Windows and solar panels made with the peptide coating would be self-cleaning. Clean solar panels are more efficient.

A bonus feature of the material is its potential as a super-capacitor. If it all works out, lithium batteries using the nanocoating could pack more of a punch and last longer.