America using carbon nanotubes to create highly efficient solar cells
Cornell University researchers have utilized carbon nanotubes to replace the traditional silicon tube, to produce highly efficient solar cells.
The key of this technology is to use carbon nanotubes to replace the traditional silicon tube to produce photodiodes, which are basic components of solar cells. Researchers study the diodes by using different colors of laser and found that in the process of conversion of light energy into electricity, it can double current intensity.
The researchers said carbon nanotube is an ideal photodiode, because it can take full advantage of excess light energy, whereas the excess energy in the traditional solar cells often loss in the form of heat.
The study was published in the U.S. "Science" magazine online edition. Papers first author, graduate student of Cornell University Nathan Gabor, said: "We not only find a new material, but will put it into application and make real solar cells."
However, the researchers pointed out that they currently only produced a highly efficient solar cell in the laboratory, but mass production of cheap and reliable next-generation solar cells need to conduct more in-depth study.