Nanowires could create solar power
Feb
8
Written by:
08/02/2012 11:33
A way of welding nanowires together could lead to coverings on windows that generate solar power, according to researchers.
A way of welding nanowires together could lead to coverings on windows that generate solar power, according to researchers.
Scientists used 'plamonics' to create electrically conductive meshes comprised of metal nanowires.
Plasmonics is essentially the interplay of light and metal where light travels over a metal surface in waves similar to those on the seashore. Researchers believe that the discovery will make it simpler to produce stronger and more effective nanowire meshes and could lead to mesh electrodes being put on flexible or transparent plastics.
Showing off the potential of the discovery the researchers from Stanford University, sprayed cling film with a liquid which included the silver nanowires.
Once illuminated, an extremely thin layer of nanowires welded together was left.
Mark Brongersma, professor of materials science engineering at Stanford, said: "When two nanowires lay crisscrossed, we know that light will generate plasmon waves at the place where the two nanowires meet - creating a hot spot."
"The beauty is that the hot spots exist only when the nanowires touch, not after they have fused. The welding stops itself. It's self-limiting."
Copyright Press Association 2012