1. INFRARED PLASTIC
SOLAR CELL

2. Vocabulary
Harness : Control and make use of (natural resources), especially to produce energy Hybrid : Of mixed character; composed of different elements Nanorods : In nanotechnology, nanorods are one morphology of nanoscale objects. Each of their dimensions range from 1–100 nm. They may be synthesized from metals or semiconducting materials. Standard aspect ratios (length divided by width) are 3-5 Nanotechnology : The branch of technology that deals with dimensions and tolerances of less than 100 nanometers, especially the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules.

3. INFRARED PLASTIC SOLAR CELL
Scientists have invented a plastic solar cell that can turn the suns power into electric energy even on a cloudy day.
The plastic material uses nanotechnology and contains the 1stgeneration solar cells that can harness the sun’s invisible infrared rays.
This breakthrough made us to believe that plastic solar cells could one day become more efficient than the current solar cell.

4. WORKING OF PLASTIC SOLAR CELL
The solar cell created is actually a hybrid, comprised of tiny nanorods dispersed in an organic polymer or plastic.
A layer only 200 nanometers thick is sandwiched between electrodes and can produce at present about 7 volts.
The electrode layers and nanorod /polymer layers could be applied in separate coats, making production fairly easy.
The technology takes advantage of recent advances in nanotechnology specifically the production of nanocrystals and nanorods.
The length of the nanorods may be approximately 60 nanometers. Then the nanorods are mixed with a plastic semiconductor called p3ht-poly-(3-hexylthiophene) a transparent electrode is coated with the mixture.

5. The nanorods act like wires
The nanorods act like wires. When they absorb light of a specific wavelength, they generate an electron plus an electron hole-a vacancy in the crystal that moves around just like an electron.
The electron travels the length of the rod until it is collected by aluminium electrode.
The hole is transferred to the plastic, which is known as a hole-carrier, and conveyed to the electrode, creating a current.

6. APPLICATIONS
Silicon possesses some nanoscale properties. This is being exploited in the development of a super thin disposable solar panel poster which could offer the rural dwellers a cheap and an alternative source of power.
 Like paint the compound can also be sprayed onto other materials and used as portable electricity.
Any chip coated in the material could power cell phone or other wireless devices.
A hydrogen powered car painted with the film could potentially convert energy into electricity to continually recharge the car’s battery.
One day solar farms consisting   of plastic materials could be rolled across deserts to generate enough clear energy to supply the entire planet’s power needs.

7. Infrared Plastic Solar Cells

8. ADVANTAGES
Plastic solar cells are quite a lot useful in the coming future. This is because of the    large number of advantages it has got. Some of the major advantages are:
They are considered to be 30% more efficient when compared to conventional solar cells.
They are more efficient and more practical in application.
Traditional solar cells are bulky panels. This is very compact.
Conventional solar cells are only used for large applications with big budgets. But the plastic solar cells are feasible as they can be even sewn into fabric- thus having vast applications.
Flexible, roller processed solar cells have the potential to turn the sun’s power into a clean, green, consistent source of energy.

9. LIMITATIONS The biggest problem with this is cost effectiveness.
Relatively shorter life span when continuously exposed to sunlight.
Could possibly require higher maintenance and constant monitoring.

10. CONCLUSION
Plastic solar cells help in exploiting the infrared radiation from the suns rays.
They are more effective when compared to the conventional solar cell.
The major advantage they enjoy is that they can even work on cloudy days, which is not possible in the former.
They are more compact and less bulkier.
Though at present, cost is a major draw back, it is bound be solved in the future as scientists are working in that direction

11. Conversation : 1) Have you ever used solar cells?
2) Have you seen plastic solar cells?
3) Have you used solar cooker for cooking?
4) How is solar energy important to us?
5) Should we use solar energy as an alternative source of energy?
HOME -ASSIGNMENT
1)Give synonym:  harness
2) Give antonym:  efficient
3) Give meaning :  
a) nanorods b) invisible  c) dimensions d) hole-carrier
4) Make a sentence using the following words/phrases:
a) effectiveness b) solar energy  c)Hybrid  

12. Reviewed By
Reviewed On
Comments / Changes Made
Anisha
N.A.