Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Researchers Use Virus to Improve Solar-Cell Efficiency

Scientists have always tried to improve solar enery by continuasly searching for ways to make it easier and of couse, more economical. In this area, scientists have always came to the conclusion that carbon nanotubes can increase the ammount of electrons collected on a solar cell's surface. But, they've run into these two annoying little problems: That sometimes, when making nanotubes, they produce metals instead of semiconducters and they produce the oppisite effect of colleting electrons; hat's when the viruses come into play. Theuy found out that the virus can control the arrangment of the nanotubes on the surface, keeping the tubes separate so that they won't short ouot or clump together. By doing this, the ammount of solar energy collected improved by one-third. Scientists believe that this method can be improved by using different material.



Opinion




Now that scientists have made solar power energy easier to do, it could be more economical in the near future. Hopefully, with more research, scientists will be able to discover more ways to increase energy gained with little cost and effort made. This discovery has opened new doors , now I guess, since more people are looking into solar energy, new, better discoveries will be made and it won't cost so much to depend on the Sun for energy. Solar energy is alot better for the environment than others ways that we have today like coal powered energy and petroleum, since we have an almost unlimited supply line. This will open new doors and we can all contribute to finding better ways to help the environment.








By: Daniel Pena

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