UK scientists have employed liquid crystals consisting of alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic layers as a framework for liquid photogalvanic cells.
The system is over five times more solar-to-electrical-power-conversion-efficient-per-pound sterling than dye-sensitised photovoltaic solar cells, whilst being an electrochemical capacitor of high voltage and power efficiency, say the researchers.
Mobile computing devices such as smart phones and tablets require efficient, readily-rechargeable and lightweight power sources that are capable of being moulded into whichever spatial geometry and volume are required for this technology. The integration of solar-rechargeable batteries (such as liquid photogalvanic cells) into such devices increases their portability through reducing dependence on accessible shore power.
Reas the ‘HOT’ paper today:
Photogalvanic Cells Based on Lyotropic Nanosystems: Towards the use of Liquid Nanotechnology for Personalised Energy Sources
J E Halls and J D Wadhawan,
Energy Environ. Sci., 2012, DOI: 10.1039/c2ee03169h
