Solar Nanoparticles--Improved Solar Energy Source--Sci/Tech Keeps Improving on This Issue - Galt's Gulch

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Solar Nanoparticles--Improved Solar Energy Source--Sci/Tech Keeps Improving on This Issue

Posted by hrymzk 9 years, 10 months ago to Technology

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Eight hours ago. Nanoparticles which can be added to paint for surfaces, shingles, inks etc.
Best energy conversion efficiency yet.

Harry M

SOURCE URL: http://phys.org/news/2014-06-class-nanoparticle-cheaper-lighter-solar.html

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Posted by jbrenner 9 years, 10 months ago

The iodine counterion is a unique twist. Quantum dots (semiconducting nanoparticles) are generally covalent with just a minimal percentage of ionic character. The iodine does a nice job ensuring charge separation, a key component to light harvesting.

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Posted by richrobinson 9 years, 10 months ago

That is really amazing. I can't help but be frustrated that this work was done in Canada. We have poured billions into this research during the Obama administration and they beat us to it.

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  Posted by Robbie53024 9 years, 10 months ago
  
  Even so, I'm betting that Zhijun Ning and Oleksandr Voznyy aren't native Canucks. It might be being done in Canada, but the brains behind it are coming from outside North America.
  
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  Posted by jbrenner 9 years, 10 months ago
  
  The University of Toronto is a major nanotech center. Geoff Ozin, also at the University of Toronto, wrote the book on Nanochemistry.
  
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    Posted by richrobinson 9 years, 10 months ago
    
    Thank you Jb. I wonder how long it will be before we see this hit the market.
    
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      Posted by jbrenner 9 years, 10 months ago
      
      I really don't know. Semiconducting nanoparticles are not new, and they are not that hard to make. Commercializing this should not be all that difficult.
      
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        Posted by richrobinson 9 years, 10 months ago
        
        I am not familiar with Canadian laws. I wonder how much resistance they will run into?
        
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        Posted by jbrenner 9 years, 10 months ago
        
        I'm no help here, Rich.
        
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