Biomimicry

=Photovoltaic Applications=

photosynthesis
Book: Biomimicry, Innovation Inspired by Nature. Chapter: How do we harness energy?

[|Engineers mimic photosynthesis to harvest light energy] is an article in Scientific American discussing how plants produce energy from the sun and ways new developments in quantum mechanics may allow us to mimic this harvesting process.

is a paper from pure applied chemistry by Michael Gratzel. Abstract: Learning from the concepts used by green plants, we have developed a photo- voltaic cell based on molecular light absorbers and mesoporous electrodes. The sensitized nanocrystalline injection solar cell employs organic dyes or transition-metal complexes for spectral sensitization of oxide semiconductors, such as TiO2, ZnO, SnO2, and Nb2O5. Mesoporous films of these materials are contacted with redox electrolytes, amorphous organ- ic hole conductors, or conducting polymers, as well as inorganic semiconductors. Light har- vesting occurs efficiently over the whole visible and near-IR range due to the very large inter- nal surface area of the films. Judicious molecular engineering allows the photoinduced charge separation to occur quantitatively within femtoseconds. The certified overall power conversion efficiency of the new solar cell for standard air mass 1.5 solar radiation stands presently between 10 and 11. The lecture will highlight recent progress in the development of solar cells for practical use. Advancement in the understanding of the factors that govern photovoltaic performance, as well as improvement of cell components to increase further its conversion efficiency will be discussed.

Butterfly Wings
[|Science Daily- Solar Collectors on Butterfly wings] Chemistry of Materials 2009

Heliotropic plants
[|Biomimicry of Heliotropic Plants- more efficient solar panels] Many plants are heliotropic, gradually tilting towards the sun to optimize solar energy capture. Current sun-tracking solar panels involve the use of motors and electronic control systems, but we believe a biomimetic heliotropic solar panel can be created with the use of alternative materials and designs.

Storage
[|MIT's research team develops 'artificial leaf'] This device is capable of using the suns energy to produce and electricity and convert water into its components, hydrogen and oxygen. This is beneficial because the energy produced is more easily stored.

[|Making solar panels as ubiquitous and efficient as leaves]