North Carolina State University Researchers Develop Artificial Solar Leaf

North Carolina State University researchers have developed an innovative concept towards producing an artificial leaf that has the capability of generating solar energy.

This concept is based upon the similar principles occurring in the natural world when plants make use of sun’s energy.

This novel device is a combination of flexible water-based gel along with molecules that are light-sensitive. These molecules can be produced synthetically but this research team, during the initial stages of the study, has made use of natural plant chlorophyll since it has the potential towards lowering the costs while also reducing the usage of toxic materials that are found in solar cells.

Additionally, researchers are hoping to replicate these self-regenerating approaches in plants. The focus upon chlorophyll demonstrates the way in which solar energy research has gone on to expand much beyond the solar cell technology that is silicon based.