Recyclable organic solar cells

[ylexot]

Recyclable organic solar cells: a clean fuel future made possible by trees

Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology and Purdue University have jointly devised a patent-pending method to build organic solar cells using plant-derived substrates. Known as cellulose nanocrystal substrates (or CNC), these solar cells benefit from being truly disposable, eliminating the waste that results from the use of alternative materials like petroleum or glass. The CNC-made cells are not only transparent enough to allow light to pass into an embedded semiconductor, but they also dissolve when submerged into water, thus earning the esteemed recyclable distinction.

Sounds interesting, but wouldn't this be a problem anywhere that it rains? So...everywhere but space? And do we care about the recycle-ability of solar cells in space?

 

[GWguy]

Recyclable organic solar cells: a clean fuel future made possible by trees
Sounds interesting, but wouldn't this be a problem anywhere that it rains? So...everywhere but space? And do we care about the recycle-ability of solar cells in space?

which means putting a glass cover over it.... oh well...


But I'm wondering what the life expectancy might be. If it's made from organics, do they last as long as the silicon based solar cells?

 

[StadEMS3]

Let's give'em a 1/2 billion to reseach it further.

 

[SamSpade]

Recyclable organic solar cells: a clean fuel future made possible by trees
Sounds interesting, but wouldn't this be a problem anywhere that it rains? So...everywhere but space? And do we care about the recycle-ability of solar cells in space?

Reminds me of the old Jetsons cartoon where George was testing an indestructible suit that could weather sawblades and missiles - but wasn't machine washable.