MIT Prints Solar Cells on Paper (But Are They Recyclable?)

Printers have get a long-range fashio. First, they printed text and images in writing. Then 3D objects out of plastic (and let's not forget 3D printers that print parts for itself). Then various foodstuffs. Merely now, thanks to MIT, printers can at once output signal solar cells.

Researchers at MIT possess developed a new corporate that makes it possible to publish photovoltaic cells onto paper or fabric. The resulting sheet is flexible, pocketable solar cell that can power a LCD clock instantly.

The printing method acting is non as simple as using an inkjet. First, the paper necessarily to be baked with fivesome layers of textile in a vacuum chamber to build the patterns of the solar cells. The solar cells aren't printed using a liquid ink, either; instead, they're is sprayed on as a vapor at a temperature below 120-degree Celsius–much cooler than the high temperatures and extreme conditions that are normally needed to manufacture photovoltaic materials.

The technology was developed by a group of MIT researchers including: Karen Gleason, an Alexander and I. Michael Kasser Prof of Chemical Engineering; Vladimir Bulovic, Prof of Electric Engineering; grad student Miles Barr; and six other students and postdocs.

Despite the complicated printing method, the researchers claim that the process is inexpensive. The printed materials can be used in a a lot more energy efficient and less heated environment. According to Massachusetts Institute of Technology News, the printing is similar to the one used to make the bright side in crisp bags, so the process could be easily armoured up to volume production. The researches imagine that their solar paper could be used in homes as window blinds, wallpaper, and an gross permutation for the methamphetamine substratum we use for our current photovoltaic cells.

Be sure to check extinct MIT News' article for their interview with the researchers, and a full account on this solar paper.

[Front Materials and MIT News]