Researchers at the University of Surrey are reporting a novel approach to increasing the efficiency of solar cells by using tiny structures, typically ten thousandth the width of a human hair.
These carbon nanotubes are rolled up sheets of honeycomb-structured carbon atoms, which have remarkable physical, chemical and electronic properties. For example, conductivity is better than any other single element material, thermal conductivity is better than diamond, and mechanical strength surpasses that of high tensile steel.
Researchers at the University's Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) have found a way to enhance the photo-current of organic materials based solar cells using these multi-wall carbon nanotubes, and now say that there is potential to develop low cost, light-weight, printable and flexible renewable energy sources.
