Inspired by butterfly wings to develop solar panels with enhanced light absorption capabilities

A team of researchers from Caltech and the Institute of Technology in Karlsruhe, Germany (KIT) has drawn inspiration from the special structure of a black butterfly wing to develop a 3D printed solar panel that absorbs light energy more efficiently. This gift from nature will help scientists develop more efficient and low-cost thin-film solar cells. At present, nano-scale thin-film solar cells have great potential and can be used to create miniature, inexpensive solar cells. However, their current photovoltaic conversion efficiency is low and they are only used in calculators and watches.

This black butterfly belonging to the genus Pachliopta aristolochiae is widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia. It has a unique wing structure and can refer to the development of more efficient small photovoltaic structural cells. Its wings are covered with tiny scales and can harvest sunlight at various angles and wavelengths. A scientific team led by Radwanul Siddique of the California Institute of Technology carefully studied the unique nano-microstructure of the butterfly wing under an electron microscope and found a large number of randomly distributed holes in the microstructure. These pores are smaller than one micron in diameter. It is the key to improving the absorption of light energy from butterfly wings.

A group led by Radwanul Siddique of the California Institute of Technology analyzed the 3D models of these wings by computer to better understand their optical properties. The researchers found that the size, distribution and shape of these holes are all random, but their position and order are crucial for improving the efficiency of absorbing light energy. Next they mimic the nanostructure model of the black butterfly wings, allowing some solar cells to The scale-like nanopore structure in the silicone mimics the wings. Then some solar panels with similar structures were printed and tested. Compared with the previous structure, the light absorption efficiency increased by 200%.

Researchers are continuing to work on the design of photovoltaic absorbers, hoping to further increase light collection capabilities.

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