New plastic can better convert solar energy

18 May 2005 News

Researchers at the University of Toronto have invented an infrared-sensitive material claimed to be about five times more efficient at turning the sun's power into electrical energy than current methods. Also, the plastic composite material could be sprayed onto other materials and used as portable electricity.

The discovery could lead to shirts and sweaters capable of recharging cellphones and other wireless devices, said Ted Sargent, professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Toronto.

Minute particles called quantum dots, three to four nanometres across, are combined with a polymer to make a plastic that can detect energy in the infrared spectrum. Although not visible to the naked eye, infrared energy contains a huge untapped resource of energy. The plastic can be applied much like paint is applied to a wall and can convert up to 30% of the sun's power into usable, electrical energy, according to Sargent.

Today's best plastic solar cells convert only about 6%.

Further reading:

What’s new in Altium Designer
EDA Technologies News
Altium has released a major update to its Altium Designer suite version 23.10, with many new features added.

Read more...

---

SIMCom Symposium 2024
Otto Wireless Solutions News
Otto Wireless Solutions, in conjunction with SIMCom Wireless Solutions, will be hosting a free half-day seminar in Johannesburg – The SIMCom Symposium 2024.

Read more...

---

From the editor's desk: Exciting times ahead?
Technews Publishing News
There are many subjects that excite me in this world, but two of the larger technical subjects are, firstly, renewable energy, and secondly, the idea of artificial intelligence as it continues to evolve ...

Read more...

---

Microchip expands partnership with TSMC
News
Microchip Technology has announced it has expanded its partnership with TSMC to enable a specialised 40 nm manufacturing capacity at Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing.

Read more...

---

Huge SA grid battery project
News
A standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) has won preferred bidder status under South Africa’s Energy Storage Capacity Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (ESIPPPP).

Read more...

---

Mouser sponsors NCP Cup 2024
News
The NXP Cup is an EMEA-based autonomous car competition, presented by NXP Semiconductors, which is designed to provide students with real-world experiences in autonomous vehicle programming and building.

Read more...

---

TrinaTracker brings its smart solar tracking to SA
News
The Vanguard 1P is designed to provide customers with trackers that combine suitability for flat terrain, together with outstanding system stability and reliability, quick installation, and flexible external compatibility.

Read more...

---

Nordex adding 830 MW of wind generation
News
Nordex Energy South Africa will be adding 830 MW of wind energy generation capacity to the company’s already-installed 1 GW base.

Read more...

---

Invertek produces its three millionth drive
iTek Drives News
Invertek Drives Ltd, a global manufacturer of variable frequency drive (VFD) technology, has celebrated producing its three millionth VFD, just three years after its two-million milestone.

Read more...

---

Analog Devices’ digital storefront is live
News
Analog Devices has designed an improved digital experience with users in mind – a new analog.com website and eShop.

Read more...

---