This is good! Scientists reportedly developed a new solar cell that is able to mimic the photosynthetic systems found in plants in order to repair itself. Scientists used carbon nanotubes and DNA to develop an approach that is aimed at increasing the life span of solar panels and reducing cost.
Researchers and scientists at Purdue University in Lafayette said the artificial photosystems were created using optical nanomaterials that can harvest solar energy to convert it into electrical power. Scientists used commonly used petroelectrochemical cells to convert sunlight to electricity via a liquid electrolyte. However since these contain dyes known as chromophores which are affected by sunlight and get degraded after usage.
Assistant professor of Mechanical engineering at Purdue University, Jong Hyun Choi said, “The critical disadvantage of conventional photoelectrochemical cells is this degradation”. But this new technology which utilises unusal electrical properties found in single-wall carbon nanotubes will overcome this problem. Choi said, “This sort of self-regeneration is done in plants every hour. As long as new chromophores are added, this type of photoelectrochemical cell can repair it self for ever.”
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