Solar Energy from Plants?

Nanoscience brings solar energy to us from plants

If we can duplicate the natural process of photosynthesis, scientists believe we can more efficiently utilize solar power for energy.  Nanoscience is aiming to improve the potential of solar panels to replace CO2 emitting fossil fuels through new technology.

By examining the plant protein structure, scientists hope to improve conversion and lower costs of solar panels in the future.  Added benefits would be to broaden the scope of locations at which solar energy can be effectively generated (currently, deserts and other high-sun exposure areas rank highest).

To conduct this important research, they are turning to pea power.  That’s right.  They lowly green pea may be used for solar energy generation.  Researchers at Tel Aviv University’s Department of Biochemistry have discovered that minute crystals in peas could be used as battery chargers.

Can you imagine if pea crystals could form the core of artificial solar cells?

Photosynthesis for solar energy

It should not come as a big surprise that nanoscience is advancing solar energy research.  After all, Mother Nature is, what many claim to be, the greatest nanoscientist.  Given that green plants convert solar energy into chemical energy through various reactions:

Tel Aviv’s scientists are concentrating on the Photosystem I (PSI) complex, because this particular phase is responsible for the conversion of light energy into other types of energy, such as chemical energy. The Tel Aviv researchers discovered that this complex is packed into crystals found in peas. These crystals could potentially turn light energy into electricity.

Can you imagine the possibilities if we can develop “green” energy from plants?  It makes perfect sense to look to plants when considering how to convert solar to chemical energy.  The researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered how to generate significant amounts of solar energy drawing from what could be termed “crystallized sunlight,” in the pea plants.

With this exciting solar research development, the seeds for future implementation of solar energy from plants into panels have probably been planted!

Tags: artificial solar cells, biomimicry, generation solar energy, nanoscience, photosynthesis, solar energy plants, solar power energy, solar research development