Swedish Researchers Harness Green Goo to Create Solar Cells from Jellyfish
Jellyfish Hodgers via Wikimedia A group of Swedish researchers are looking beyond plants for living models upon which to base their solar harvesting tech, turning instead to the photovoltaic prowess of the jellyfish. Tapping a protein in the jellyfish Aequorea victoria known as green fluorescent protein (GFP), the team has assembled a device that converts ultraviolet light into free electrons using a drop of green goo. The team assembled its cell from two simple aluminum electrodes separated by a small gap atop a silicon dioxide substrate. The GFP is placed between the two electrodes where it assembles itself into strands connecting the electrodes. When introduced to UV light, the GFP gobbles up photons, producing electrons that enter the circuit as electricity. Why GFP? For one, it's inexpensive. It doesn't require expensive additives or costly processing, but can go directly onto the substrate where it starts cranking out juice. Further, it can be...