Scientists at Stanford are hard at work trying to improve the efficiency and durability of solar panels
-- two key factors that have kept the Sun from becoming a more popular
source of energy. Their latest effort involves nanocrystalline-silicon, a
material that has proven resilient and highly conductive, but not very
good at absorbing light. Their solution, nanoshells -- hollowed out
spheres of silicon that trap and recirculate light much like a
whispering gallery does sound. Balls of the crystalline material are
dipped in silicon, then hydrofluoric acid is used to eat way the center
of the sphere, leaving a path for light to enter. The shells trap the
light, allowing more of it to be absorbed, and also reduces the effect
of non-optimal angles on energy production. Hit up the source for a few
more details.
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