Researchers demonstrate 'avalanche effect' in solar cells: "Researchers at TU Delft (Netherlands) and the FOM Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter have found irrefutable proof that the so-called avalanche effect by electrons occurs in specific, very small semiconducting crystals. This physical effect could pave the way for cheap, high-output solar cells. The findings are to be published in scientific journal Nano Letters this week.
Solar cells provide great opportunities for future large-scale electricity generation. However, there are currently significant limitations, such as the relatively low output of most solar cells (typically fifteen percent) and high manufacturing costs.
One possible improvement could derive from a new type of solar cell made of semiconducting nanocrystals (crystals with dimensions in the nanometre size range). In conventional solar cells, one photon (light particle) can release precisely one electron. The creation of these free electrons ensures that the solar cell works and can provide power. The more electrons released, the higher the output of the solar cell.
In some semiconducting nanocrystals, however, one photon can release two or three electrons, hence the term avalanche effect. This could theoretically lead to a maximum output of 44 percent in a solar cell comprising the correct semiconducting nanocrystals. Moreover, these solar cells can be manufactured relatively cheaply."
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
New Trend in Biofuels Has New Risks - New York Times
New Trend in Biofuels Has New Risks - New York Times: "Most of these newer crops are what scientists label invasive species — that is, weeds — that have an extraordinarily high potential to escape biofuel plantations, overrun adjacent farms and natural land, and create economic and ecological havoc in the process, they now say."
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Steam Under the Hood | Popular Science
Steam Under the Hood Popular Science: "Harry Schoell's Cyclone engine uses superhot steam to make a cleaner, more efficient car."
Monday, May 19, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Focus Fusion using boron and hydrogen
Web site:
http://focusfusion.org/log/index.php
Talk by Eric Lerner here:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1518007279479871760
http://focusfusion.org/log/index.php
Talk by Eric Lerner here:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1518007279479871760
Friday, May 9, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
James Howard Kunstler Takes on Stephen Colbert : TreeHugger
James Howard Kunstler Takes on Stephen Colbert : TreeHugger
About his novel, World Made by Hand, in which the suburban lifestyle becomes unsustainable.
About his novel, World Made by Hand, in which the suburban lifestyle becomes unsustainable.
World's Largest Underwater Turbine Installed | Popular Science
World's Largest Underwater Turbine Installed Popular Science
Seagen installation in Northern Ireland
Seagen installation in Northern Ireland
Of Circles and Solar Cells | Popular Science
UW scientists use nano-scale "popcorn balls" to boost solar efficiency:
Of Circles and Solar Cells Popular Science
Of Circles and Solar Cells Popular Science
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