Stanford researcher Zhenan Bao has developed a stretchable solar cell that could be used in clothing, robots, prosthetic limbs and other non-rigid applications. The stretchable solar cells are part of Zhenan Bao's incredible efforts to create synthetic skin. Her new stretchable solar cell can be pulled up to 30 percent beyond its static size, then contracted back to its original size without damage -- and that's no small feat! A type of liquid metal that stays fluid helps the stretchable solar cell stretch like an accordion without losing the ability to conduct electricity.
In many situations, being able to use the sun as an energy source is more practical than using batteries or hooking to the grid. Besides powering synthetic skin, Zhenan Bao's stretchable solar cells will make the development of many more new materials and applications possible.
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Zhenan Bao Creates Flexible Stretchable Solar Cells
Trend Themes
1. Stretchable Solar Cells - The development of stretchable solar cells presents an opportunity for incorporating flexible solar panels into a variety of wearable and non-rigid applications.
2. Synthetic Skin - The creation of synthetic skin with stretchable solar cells integrated into it opens up new possibilities for prosthetics, robotics, and other industries where the ability to sense changes in the environment is important.
3. Liquid Metal - The use of liquid metal in the production of stretchable solar cells highlights its potential as a material for creating other flexible and conductive devices.
Industry Implications
1. Wearable Technology - Stretchable solar cells have the potential to revolutionize the wearables industry, by powering devices that can stretch and mold to the contours of the human body.
2. Prosthetics - The integration of stretchable solar cells into prosthetic limbs could provide additional power and functionality to help amputees gain greater mobility and independence.
3. Renewable Energy - The development of new, flexible solar cells that can be integrated into a variety of non-rigid applications could revolutionize the renewable energy industry in terms of accessibility and functionality.