Category: Physics

Quantum Dots for Solar Panels

Quantum Dots for Solar Panels

Quantum Dots for Solar Panels

02/25/19

“Why are quantum dots for solar panels so useful?”

 

Quantum dots are bringing a revolution into the world of semiconductors. And since semiconductors are the backbones of solar panels, things will be greatly changed for them as well. The extra emissivity offered by quantum dots means that two and possibly three electrons can be generated for every photon received, vastly increasing its potential! Quantum dot solar panels can achieve as much as 65% efficiency, nearly double of the theoretical limit of normal panels. This is why Quantum Dots for Solar Panels are so exciting.

Image link https://upload.wikimedia.org

Quantum Dots

Quantum Dots

Quantum Dots

02/24/19

“What is the next big revolution in semiconductors?”

 

Semiconductors technology is going through a revolution. Nanosize semiconductor materials known as Quantum Dots which can give off light when illuminated are starting to be developed. Their small size allows them to be much more efficient than typical semiconductors and can give off a broader range of lights.

 

Image credit i.ytimg.com

High-level Radioactive Waste

High-level Radioactive Waste

High-level Radioactive Waste

02/20/19

“What is the byproduct of nuclear energy?”

 

Nuclear energy is one of the promising power sources for the decarbonized future. However, like everything in this world it comes with serious consequences. The spent Uranium fuel rods will still give off enough radiation to kill a person for a quarter of a million years, meaning that this High-level Radioactive Waste must be contained somewhere.

 

Image credit http://www.world-nuclear.org

Clay

Clay

Clay

01/07/18

“What is Clay?”

 

Many children around the world play with clay when they are young. But what exactly are they? Well, when natural rock or soil material is highly grounded, it can combine with a large amount of other elements overtime to make Clay. Clay’s flexibility and strength when hardened have made it useful in building materials and early writing utensils.

The Kilogram is Being Redefined

The Kilogram is Being Redefined

The Kilogram is Being Redefined

11/04/18

“How is the Kilogram being redefined?”

 

A massive shift has just happened in the physics community. For over a century our measurement for the kilogram has been based off an official block sealed in vaults below Paris. However, after many decades of work and false starts, a committee has convened to redefine the kilogram based not on an artifact of nature but instead on Plank’s constant. As a result we now have a truly uniform system of fundamental units!

How ‘Invisible Wires’ Could Improve Solar Cell Efficiency

How ‘Invisible Wires’ Could Improve Solar Cell Efficiency

How ‘Invisible Wires’ Could Improve Solar Cell Efficiency

11/01/18

“How can we solve the silicon wire reflectivity problem in solar cells?”

 

We know that PV modules have a transmission wire reflectivity problem. But some research coming out of Stanford University could change this entirely. Instead of relying upon wires to channel electrons away from the silicon semiconductors, what if we were to use gold sheets with holes in them, and tiny silicon towers on top to redirect sunlight away from the gold sheet and into the holes? This way the maximum amount of sunlight can be absorbed and reflectivity can be minimized. This is just a small example of How ‘Invisible Wires’ Could Improve Solar Cell Efficiency.

 

Image Credit https://news.stanford.edu