The world's thinnest solar cell has been developed
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While graphene has captured a lot of attention in recent years, the latest breakthrough in solar technology doesn't involve this famous material. Researchers from the Vienna University of Technology have just unveiled what they claim is the world's thinnest solar cell. The key component isn't graphene — it's something else entirely.
This time, the focus is on tungsten selenide, a semiconductor material that can efficiently absorb light and convert it into electricity. The structure of the solar cell is made up of a single layer of tungsten atoms, flanked by two layers of selenium atoms. This ultra-thin design makes it one of the most advanced solar technologies to date.
Because of its incredible thinness, the new solar cell allows 95% of the light to pass through it. That means it can be used in applications where transparency is important, such as windows or smart glass, without blocking natural light. Only 5% of the light is absorbed and converted into energy, but the efficiency is still impressive given the size and flexibility of the material.
The research team believes this technology could revolutionize how we power buildings. By integrating these solar cells into windows or other transparent surfaces, it could generate electricity without compromising aesthetics or lighting conditions. This opens up exciting possibilities for sustainable urban development.
Although the exact timeline for commercialization remains unclear, the researchers are optimistic about the future of this technology. They predict that with further improvements, tungsten selenide-based solar cells could become widely available in the near future, making clean energy more accessible than ever before.
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