WASHINGTON, DCScientists are working to produce cheap, sustainable solar energy by imitating nature. Nanotechnology researchers like California Institute of Technology professor Nate Lewis are exploring nanoscale materials that mimic the architecture of grass and photosynthesis to capture and store the suns energy.
A new podcast looks at how Dr. Lewis and his CalTech research team are trying to imbed tiny nanoparticles into simple, inexpensive everyday products like house paint and roof tiles to revolutionize the way solar energy is produced.
More energy from the sun hits the earth in an hour than all the energy consumed by human beings on our planet in an entire year. So, if we are going to find an efficient, environmentally-friendly substitute for fossil fuels, it makes sense to exploit the sun, says Dr. Lewis. Nanotechnology offers us a way, in principle, to make very cheap materialslike the paint you buy at Home Depotact as solar cells and batteries.
Ordinary-looking, nano-enabled house paint, roofs or shingles could replace todays black, glasslike photovoltaic cells which are usually composed of crystalline silicon and are unwieldy, unsightly and very expensive to manufacture. In addition to homes, this innovative technology someday could power cell phones, laptops and even automobiles.
'/>"/>
| Contact: Julia Moore julia.moore@wilsoncenter.org 202-691-4025 Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Revolutionary nanotechnology illuminates brain cells at work
2. Nanotechnology to provide portable genetic risk detection
3. Scientists develop nanotech-laser treatment that kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue
4. New, unique microscope for nanotech
5. Nanotechnology may find disease before it starts
6. Nanotechnology being used to improve biocompatibility of human prosthetics and implants
7. Nanotech tools yield DNA transcription breakthrough
8. Silver bullet: UGA researchers use laser, nanotechnology to rapidly detect viruses
9. Nanotechnology propels advances in regenerative medicine research
10. New nanotechnology able to examine single molecules, aiding in determining gene expression
11. Nanotechnology shows promise as next wrinkle fighter
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |