Infrared plastic solar cell
INFRARED PLASTIC
SOLAR CELL
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Infrared plastic solar cell
Vocabulary
Harness : Control and make use of (natural resources), especially to produce energy
Hybrid : Of mixed character; composed of different elements
Nanorods : In nanotechnology, nanorods are one morphology of nanoscale objects. Each
of their dimensions range from 1–100 nm. They may be synthesized from metals or
semiconducting materials. Standard aspect ratios (length divided by width) are 3-5
Nanotechnology : The branch of technology that deals with dimensions and tolerances of
less than 100 nanometers, especially the manipulation of individual atoms and
molecules.
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Infrared plastic solar cell
INFRARED PLASTIC SOLAR CELL
 Scientists have invented a plastic solar cell that can turn the suns power into electric
energy even on a cloudy day.
 The plastic material uses nanotechnology and contains the 1stgeneration solar cells that
can harness the sun’s invisible infrared rays.
 This breakthrough made us to believe that plastic solar cells could one day become
more efficient than the current solar cell.
© 2015 albert-learning.com
Infrared plastic solar cell
WORKING OF PLASTIC SOLAR CELL
 The solar cell created is actually a hybrid, comprised of tiny nanorods dispersed in an
organic polymer or plastic.
 A layer only 200 nanometers thick is sandwiched between electrodes and can produce
at present about 7 volts.
 The electrode layers and nanorod /polymer layers could be applied in separate coats,
making production fairly easy.
 The technology takes advantage of recent advances in nanotechnology specifically the
production of nanocrystals and nanorods.
 The length of the nanorods may be approximately 60 nanometers. Then the nanorods
are mixed with a plastic semiconductor called p3ht-poly-(3-hexylthiophene) a
transparent electrode is coated with the mixture.
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Infrared plastic solar cell
 The nanorods act like wires. When they absorb light of a specific wavelength, they
generate an electron plus an electron hole-a vacancy in the crystal that moves around
just like an electron.
 The electron travels the length of the rod until it is collected by aluminium electrode.
 The hole is transferred to the plastic, which is known as a hole-carrier, and conveyed to
the electrode, creating a current.
© 2015 albert-learning.com
Infrared plastic solar cell
APPLICATIONS
 Silicon possesses some nanoscale properties. This is being exploited in the
development of a super thin disposable solar panel poster which could offer the rural
dwellers a cheap and an alternative source of power.
 Like paint the compound can also be sprayed onto other materials and used as
portable electricity.
 Any chip coated in the material could power cell phone or other wireless devices.
 A hydrogen powered car painted with the film could potentially convert energy into
electricity to continually recharge the car’s battery.
 One day solar farms consisting of plastic materials could be rolled across deserts to
generate enough clear energy to supply the entire planet’s power needs.
© 2015 albert-learning.com
Infrared plastic solar cell
Infrared Plastic Solar Cells
© 2015 albert-learning.com
Infrared plastic solar cell
ADVANTAGES
Plastic solar cells are quite a lot useful in the coming future. This is because of the
number of advantages it has got. Some of the major advantages are:
large
 They are considered to be 30% more efficient when compared to conventional solar
cells.
 They are more efficient and more practical in application.
 Traditional solar cells are bulky panels. This is very compact.
 Conventional solar cells are only used for large applications with big budgets. But the
plastic solar cells are feasible as they can be even sewn into fabric- thus having vast
applications.
 Flexible, roller processed solar cells have the potential to turn the sun’s power into a
clean, green, consistent source of energy.
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Infrared plastic solar cell
LIMITATIONS
 The biggest problem with this is cost effectiveness.
 Relatively shorter life span when continuously exposed to sunlight.
 Could possibly require higher maintenance and constant monitoring.
© 2015 albert-learning.com
Infrared plastic solar cell
CONCLUSION
 Plastic solar cells help in exploiting the infrared radiation from the suns rays.
 They are more effective when compared to the conventional solar cell.
 The major advantage they enjoy is that they can even work on cloudy days, which is
not possible in the former.
 They are more compact and less bulkier.
 Though at present, cost is a major draw back, it is bound be solved in the future as
scientists are working in that direction
© 2015 albert-learning.com
Infrared plastic solar cell
Conversation :
1) Have you ever used solar cells?
2) Have you seen plastic solar cells?
3) Have you used solar cooker for cooking?
4) How is solar energy important to us?
5) Should we use solar energy as an alternative source of energy?
© 2015 albert-learning.com