Collecting light with artificial moth eyes
Wednesday, June 18, 2014 - 13:31
in Physics & Chemistry
All over the world researchers are investigating solar cells which imitate plant photosynthesis, using sunlight and water to create synthetic fuels such as hydrogen. Empa researchers have developed such a photoelectrochemical cell, recreating a moth's eye to drastically increase its light collecting efficiency. The cell is made of cheap raw materials—iron and tungsten oxide.