How MIT engineers made solar cells as thin as paper and as flexible as fabric
MIT engineers have developed a new type of solar cell that is paper-thin, lightweight, and flexible, and can turn any surface into a power source. The fabric solar cells can be used for various applications, such as wearable devices, drones, tents, sails, and buildings, and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
MIT engineers create paper-thin solar cells that can turn any surface into a power source
Solar energy is one of the most abundant and clean sources of renewable energy, but conventional solar panels are bulky, heavy, and expensive to install and maintain. To overcome these limitations, MIT engineers have developed a new type of solar cell that is ultrathin, lightweight, and flexible, and can be attached to any surface with ease.
The new solar cells are made from a thin layer of organic semiconductors that can absorb light and convert it into electricity. The layer is only 3 nanometers thick, which is about 10,000 times thinner than a human hair. The solar cells are then glued to a fabric substrate that is strong, durable, and resistant to water and dust. The fabric solar cells can be cut, folded, or rolled without affecting their performance, and can be applied to various surfaces using a simple adhesive.
The fabric solar cells have several advantages over conventional solar panels. They are one-hundredth the weight of conventional solar panels, which means they can be easily transported and deployed in remote areas or emergency situations. They also generate 18 times more power-per-kilogram, which means they can produce more energy with less material. Moreover, they are made using low-cost printing processes that can be scaled up for large-area manufacturing in the future.
The fabric solar cells can be integrated into various applications, such as wearable devices, drones, tents, sails, and buildings. They can provide power on the go, or turn any surface into a power source. For example, they can be attached to the sails of a boat to provide power while at sea, or to the wings of a drone to extend its flying range. They can also be used to create smart fabrics that can monitor the environment, health, or activity of the wearer.
The MIT engineers have demonstrated the feasibility and potential of their fabric solar cells in a paper published in Small Methods¹. They have also filed a patent for their invention and are looking for partners to commercialize their technology. They hope that their fabric solar cells will accelerate the adoption of solar energy and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
Conclusion:
The MIT engineers have created a breakthrough in solar energy technology by developing fabric solar cells that are extremely lightweight, flexible, and efficient. These solar cells can be attached to any surface and provide power for various applications, such as wearable devices, drones, tents, sails, and buildings. The fabric solar cells are also low-cost and environmentally friendly, and can help reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and fight climate change. The MIT engineers have published their work in a scientific journal and are looking for partners to bring their invention to the market.