In a world using up fossil fuels at an ever growing rate, renewable energy sources like solar power are becoming more and more valuable.
The Problem With Solar Panels
But solar panels have a problem. A single panel can only capture so much sunlight and produce a limited amount of electricity.
That’s why large solar farms consist of thousands and thousands of panels. And the more panels you need to generate power, the more expensive solar energy becomes.
Which is why scientists are eager to find ways to make solar panels more powerful, and more efficient.
Nanotechnology
One of the most intriguing and promising approaches is through nanotechnology. More specifically, researchers around the world are experimenting with carbon nanotubes–basically carbon atoms arranged in hollow tubes.
Carbon Nanotubes Capture And Funnel Light
Carbon nanotubes specially designed to capture and funnel as much light as possible at all wavelengths could solve that problem. Nanotube antennas could result in solar cells that are much smaller but also more powerful than today’s commercial cells.
At the moment, though, such cells are only a theoretical possibility. Researchers need to work out dozens of technical details before nanotube powered solar cells become a reality.