Accidental Discovery Could Better Solar Panel Efficiency
EcoFriend
While attempting to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, researchers at Tel Aviv Universityhave accidentally discovered a new nano-material that can repel dustand water and could give rise to self-cleaning skyscraper windows andhighly efficient solar panels.
Using a variety ofpeptides, the researcher found a novel way to control atoms andmolecules of peptides so that they can grow to resemble small forestsof grass. These peptides can be used to create self-assemblingnano-tubules in vacuum under high temperatures.
Thesenano-tubules can withstand high temperatures and are resistant to waterand dust, which makes them ideal for use in skyscraper windows thatcould never need manual cleaning. The researchers also opine that ifused in solar panels, the coating could better their efficiency by upto 30%, by preventing dust particles from accumulating on the surface.
Via: Gizmag
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