New “Solar Leaf” Mimics Nature to Produce Low Cost Energy

September 26th, 2010 by Tina Casey

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a concept for an “artificial leaf” that generates solar energy, based on the same principles that occur in nature when plants draw energy from the sun. The new device is actually a flexible water-based gel combined with light-sensitive molecules. The molecules could be made synthetically, but the research team has used natural plant chlorophyll in the initial stages of the experiment, due to its potential for lowering costs and reducing the use of toxic materials in solar cells.

Solar Power, the Natural Way

When the gel-filled device is exposed to sunlight, the infused molecules react in a way that is similar to the reactions that occur in plants as chlorophyll converts solar energy into sugars. Electrodes in the device are coated with carbon nanotubes, carbon black or graphite, which are far less expensive than conventional platinum coatings. In terms of efficiency the device still has a long way to go, but the researchers foresee the potential for improvement by tweaking both the gel and the molecules. In addition, the researchers hope to replicate the self-regenerating mechanisms in plants. That leads to the possibility of low-cost installation and maintenance methods, as the solar gel could be “grown” on roofs and other surfaces.

Solar Energy and Chlorophyll

The focus on chlorophyll illustrates how the solar energy research field has expanded beyond silicon based solar cell technology, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Some researchers are focusing on producing solar energy from phtalocyanines, which are common dyes that share the characteristics of chlorophyll. A team from Australia and Germany has also discovered an apparently new form of chlorophyll that can harvest light from more parts of the light spectrum, which could help in the development of new strains of algae for producing biofuel.

Image: Leaf by seeks2dream on flickr.com.

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Tags: chlorophyll, University of North Carolina, water based gel

About the Author

Tina Casey Tina Casey specializes in military and corporate sustainability, advanced technology, emerging materials, biofuels, and water and wastewater issues. Tina’s articles are reposted frequently on Reuters, Scientific American, and many other sites. Views expressed are her own. Follow her on Twitter @TinaMCasey and Google+.

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dranyamelknur

I am getting fed up with all the naysayers. That’s good but we don’t have this or we don’t have that. When I was a teenager, JFK proposed we get a man to the moon – we did it. When I was in my forties Clinton proposed we map out the human genome – we did. It is time we figured out how to create clean renewable solar based electricity and we produce hydrogen from artificial photosynthesis. If we can blow off mountaintops and frick and frack and destroy good land, air and water with filthy fossil fuels, it is about time we use our resources and capital a little more creatively and wisely. . . Solar electricity and hydrogen for clean abundant fuel.
If we wait for the present monopolizers who have us over the oil barrel, it won’t get done. Who knows some billionaire or two who want to do something positive with their capital. Let’s get them on board and revolutionize humanity’s harmful impact into a positive one,not just for our own life form but for others at well.
If you have any ideas or want to brainstorm, e-mail me at MRunkle23@yahoo.com.
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Solar power is the energy of the future. The efforts of researchers at North Carolina State University are praiseworthy.
Alex

whenever i hear the words “carbon nanotubes” i just stop listening. nanotubes are great, they are the solution to every problem-in theory. but the second you try to talk about mass production the conversation breaks down. i’m not saying i don’t have an open mind and everything and i’m sure in 20 years we’ll gave 3 terrahertz carbon nanotube processors in every computer and carbon nanotube solar cells on every rooftop but until then i’ll remain a skeptic.
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Congratulations to the guys at NCSU – this sounds like it could be a groundbreaking breakthrough and the way to go for the future.