Biotech Updates

New Solar Cell Self-Repairs Like Natural Plant Systems

January 7, 2011

Scientists at Purdue University are currently conducting a research that makes use of carbon nanotube and DNA to produce solar cells with a mechanism similar to photosynthetic systems in plants.

"We've created artificial photosystems using optical nanomaterials to harvest solar energy that is converted to electrical power," said Jong Hyun Choi, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue University.

Since a conventional photoelectrochemical cell undergo degradation, the scientists are exploring on making it "self-repairing" by enabling it to indefinitely restore light-harvesting molecules with the use of carbon nanotubes and DNA. Thus, the service life of the cell is extended and the cost could be cheaper compared to the conventional.

For more information, visit http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/research/2011/110104ChoiSolar.html.