Innovation - Solar cell cathodes made of human hair!
Q. Researchers at IISER in Kolkata have found a fresh way to produce what for solar cells?- Published on 17 Oct 16a. Cathodes
b. Anodes
c. Carbon
d. Oxygen
ANSWER: Cathodes
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Kolkata have found a fresh way to produce cathode for solar cells.
- IISER researchers use human hair to produce effective, metal-free cathodes for use in solar cells
- This is the first time that a bio-waste derived electrode has been used as a cathode na quantum dot sensitised solar cell device
- The graphitic porous carbon cathode shows an excellent performance to ensure visible sunlight is converted to electricity, which is higher than commercially activated carbon cathodes
- This offers higher efficiency for converting visible sunlight to electricity
- The cathode was found to generate high open-circuit voltage at par with conventional platinum and activated carbon cathodes
- Producing graphitic porous carbon cathode using human hair is simple, quick and affordable
- Unlike the other synthetic porous carbons, no physical or chemical activation process or templates were required to produce the pores of 2-50 nanometres diameter
- The porosity along with the high surface area to volume ratio plays an important role in adsorption-desorption of electrolyte
- Cleaned and dried human hair was first treated with sulphuric acid at 165 degrees C for 25 minutes to attain pre-carbonisation
- It is then heated to different temperatures in the presence of inert gas for 6 hours to carbonise and ensure better electrical conductivity for efficient charge transfer.
