Bioinspired phase-separated disordered nanostructures for thin photovoltaic absorbers

Siddique, Radwanul Hasan; Donie, Yidenekachew J.; Gomard, Guillaume; Yalamanchili, Sisir; Merdzhanova, Tsvetelina; Lemmer, Uli; Hölscher, Hendrik

doi:10.1126/sciadv.1700232

Cited by 111 publications

(122 citation statements)

References 71 publications

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“…The research carried out in bioinspired field has resulted in a greater selective energy conversion rate. For example, using one of the bioinspirations, as observed from a black butterfly, 200% increase of incident light absorption was obtained in pilot units with the temperature at 50°C. Similarly, when graphene was doped with quantum dots, an efficiency of 16.2% was achieved .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thus, the absorption of the incident radiation has been successfully enhanced by mimicking the structure of the wings of the rose butterfly. The absorption increased to +200% when the angle of incidence was maintained at 50° for such newly designed cells …”

Section: Bioinspired Solar Cellsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Replication of butterfly wing scales in synthetic polymers [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]…”

Section: Bioinspired Solar Cellsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The absorption increased to +200% when the angle of incidence was maintained at 50°for such newly designed cells. 40…”

Section: Common Rose Butterflymentioning

confidence: 99%

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A comprehensive review on bioinspired solar photovoltaic cells

Senthil

Yuvaraj

2018

Int J Energy Res

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Summary Researchers have derived inspiration from the biophotosynthetic structures in nature and have started to synthesize the modified bioinspired solar cells copying the evolved organic and inorganic material properties. One of the highlighted examples of bioinspired photo voltaic (PV) cells is the astonishing achievement of an increase in the absorption of integrated sunlight waves in unpatterned solar cells simulated from the wings of the butterfly. Further, deployment possibilities of incorporating flexible cells on flat or curved surfaces for optimizing performance are also under progress. This article mainly discusses the recent concepts of bioinspired solar cells at the research and development level with the prospects and challenges that lie ahead in the upcoming field of photovoltaic renewable energy cell technology. Different potential materials found suitable for bioinspired solar cells construction are reviewed with their particular challenges.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Bioinspired Solar Cellsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A comprehensive review on bioinspired solar photovoltaic cells

Senthil

Yuvaraj

2018

Int J Energy Res

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“…2a) by utilizing a highly scalable bottom-up fabrication process based on polymer-phase separation 28,29 . Si 3 N 4 was chosen for its ease of fabrication on Si and proven performance as an optically transparent and mechanically robust freestanding membrane in microdevices 30,31 as well as for its intrinsic hydrophilicity that is crucial to the antifouling property of the nanostructures as discussed in more detail later in this work.…”

Section: Development Of Bio-inspired Nanostructured Membranesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multifunctional biophotonic nanostructures inspired by the longtail glasswing butterfly for medical devices

et al. 2018

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Numerous living organisms possess biophotonic nanostructures that provide coloration and other diverse functions for survival. While such structures have been actively studied and replicated in the laboratory, it remains unclear whether they can be used for biomedical applications. Here we show a transparent photonic nanostructure inspired by the longtail glasswing (Chorinea faunus) butterfly and demonstrate its use in intraocular pressure (IOP) sensors in vivo. We exploit the phase separation between two immiscible polymers (poly(methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene) to form nanostructured features on top of a Si3N4 substrate. The membrane thus formed shows good angle-independent white light transmission, strong hydrophilicity and anti-biofouling properties that prevent adhesion of proteins, bacteria, and eukaryotic cells. We then developed a microscale implantable IOP sensor using our photonic membrane as an optomechanical sensing element. Finally, we performed in vivo testing on New Zealand white rabbits and show that our device reduces the mean IOP measurement variation compared to conventional rebound tonometry without signs of inflammation.

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Bioinspired 2D Nanomaterials for Sustainable Applications

et al. 2019

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opens new doors for innovation in materials and sustainable technologies. Owing to the great diversity and complexity of nature, the well-evolved natural structures corresponding to specific functionalities may vary from 1D nanofibers or nanoneedles to 2D nanosheets or nanoplates or even 3D multiscale-ordered structures. [32] A good understanding of the structureproperty relationships is essential for the design and fabrication of bioinspired nanomaterials.2D nanomaterials have achieved some significant triumphs in various applications, benefitting from their unique structural characteristics and relevant chemical and physical properties. [33][34][35] In fact, 2D nanostructures also widely exist in nature and generate some amazing functionalities, which offers us great opportunities to further expand the design and fabrication of 2D nanostructured materials, devices, and technologies. [36] By integrating 2D nanomaterials with the bioinspired strategies, innovative materials and technologies have been proposed and realized. In this research news, recent progress that mainly achieved over the past decade in bioinspired materials and technologies based on 2D nanomaterials for targeted sustainable energy and environmental technologies, such as energy conversion and storages, environmental remediation, etc., is reviewed and discussed. As shown in Figure 1, three topical subjects, including bioinspired 2D photonic structures, bioinspired 2D energy nanomaterials, and bioinspired 2D superwetting materials, along with the challenges and opportunities will be the focus of this article, and give an overall perspective to this emerging and promising research area. Bioinspired 2D Photonic MaterialsTo survive in the wild world, natural species have evolved various unique structures with fascinating optical functionalities, such as glitzy structural colors for attracting prey or mates, [37] tunable camouflage colors for escaping from predators, [38] antireflection function of compound eyes for weak light vision, [36] and so on. These structures, as known as photonic crystal structures, have inspired the design of novel photonic micro/nanostructures and some smart optical devices.Among the various natural photonic structures, one class consists of periodically stacked 2D multilayers, also known as Bragg Stacks, have been found in many natural organisms, such as plants, insects, and marine benthos. [39] Multiple pairs of 2D layers with different refractive indexes in Bragg Stacks can generate iridescent structural colors through constructive The increasing demand for constructing ecological civilization and promoting socially sustainable development has encouraged scientists to develop bioinspired materials with required properties and functions. By bringing science and nature together, plenty of novel materials with extraordinary properties can be created by learning the best from natural species. In combination with the exceptional features of 2D nanomaterials, bioinspired 2D nanomaterials and technologies have delivered signif...

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Bioinspired phase-separated disordered nanostructures for thin photovoltaic absorbers

Abstract: Inspired by black butterfly scales, self-assembled phase-separated nanostructures form efficient photovoltaic absorbers.

Cited by 111 publications

References 71 publications

A comprehensive review on bioinspired solar photovoltaic cells

A comprehensive review on bioinspired solar photovoltaic cells

Multifunctional biophotonic nanostructures inspired by the longtail glasswing butterfly for medical devices

Bioinspired 2D Nanomaterials for Sustainable Applications

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