By MERVYN DYKES (stuff.co.nz)/ Thursday, 5 April 2007
New solar cells developed by Massey University don't need
direct sunlight to operate and use a patented range of dyes that can be
impregnated in roofs, window glass and eventually even clothing to
produce power.
This means teenagers could one day be wearing jackets that will
recharge their equivalents of cellphones, iPods and other battery-
driven devices.
The breakthrough is a development of the
university's Nanomaterials Research Centre and has attracted world-wide
interest already - particularly from Australia and Japan.
Researchers at the centre have developed a range of synthetic dyes
from simple organic compounds closely related to those found in nature,
where light-harvesting pigments are used by plants for photosynthesis.
"This is a proof-of-concept cell," said researcher Wayne Campbell, pointing to a desktop demonstration model.
"Within
two to three years we will have developed a prototype for real
applications. "The technology could be sold off already, but it would
be a shame to get rid of it now."
...
Full story: http://www.stuff.co.nz/4017784a13.html
Discussion:Slashdot | Solar power cell breakthrough
