MIT Researchers Create Flexible Paper-thin Solar Cells
EcoFriend
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology haveunveiled the early results of a new research project sponsored byItalian oil company Eni. The project includes the development ofpaper-thin solar cells that can be used as window covers or as roofcoatings.
The paper solar cell unveiled is able to generate enough current tolight a small LED display. The research team is envisioning the use ofpaper solar cells on blinds and shades or perhaps even the cover of alaptop. The trick behind the technology is a layer-by-layermanufacturing process that can be adjusted for different needs.
To make a paper solar cell, five layers of solid material aredeposited onto a paper substrate, and each layer serves a differentfunction. Currently the solar cells are only one percent efficient butthe lab is targeting it to get up to four percent efficient beforecommercialization.
Via: CNet
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