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Altered Organism Triples Solar Cell Efficiency

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the shiny-happy-algae dept.

An anonymous reader writes "By harnessing the shells of living organisms in the sea, microscopic algae called diatoms, engineers have tripled the efficiency of experimental dye-sensitized solar cells. The diatoms were fed a diet of titanium dioxide, the main ingredient for thin film solar cells, instead of their usual meal which is silica (silicon dioxide). As a result, their shells became photovoltaic when coated with dyes. The result is a thin-film dye-sensitized solar cell that is three times more efficient than those without the diatoms."

7 of 158 comments (clear)

  1. Just had to ask... by hyades1 · · Score: 4, Funny

    So does this mean we now have to call them dye-atoms?

    Don't bother throwing things...I've already taken cover.

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    I've calculated my velocity with such exquisite precision that I have no idea where I am.
    1. Re:Just had to ask... by im_thatoneguy · · Score: 5, Funny

      It's too bad they used Titanium instead of Lithium. We could have had DyeLithium Crystal solar power

  2. Re:120% efficiency! by MaxwellEdison · · Score: 4, Funny

    How long does it take to make a new sun? I mean...it will run out eventually...

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    -=Bang Bang=-
  3. OK... by Rollgunner · · Score: 4, Funny

    Diatoms that generate electricity... great! Who's in charge of soldering the leads to them so we can harness it ?

  4. Re:120% efficiency! by geekoid · · Score: 4, Funny

    I got er. I just keep them loose all over the place, help yourself.

    free range Hydrogen

    --
    The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
  5. Re:120% efficiency! by MaxwellEdison · · Score: 4, Funny

    It wasn't even an argument...I was being wholly pointless. Jeez, a new "super efficient solar cell of the month" story comes around and everyone puckers their sphincters like they're about to be exposed to the vacuum of space...

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    -=Bang Bang=-
  6. harvesting method? by bugi · · Score: 4, Funny

    Do the diatoms die from shock?