Question for the scientists among us: Nano technology for solar power

[AlGore-08.com]

There's a thread over at LBN about a breakthrough in nanotechnology research (link to the wire story at the end of this post). One of the potential uses for nano technology is harvesting solar energy.

Setting potential political roadblocks to one side (if that's even possible), what would be the down side (if any) of using nano-sheet solar cells? Are there any (potential) hazardous waste materials or hazardous materials needed to make the sheets? Would cost concerns delay the creation or implementation of nano-sheet solar cells?

Also, how would nano-sheet produced power help (or hurt) the fight against global warming? :patriot:

http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/news/12425965.htm

[mccoyn]

1. I'm not sure how the nano-tubes are produced, but...

If they had cheap energy (solar power) they might be able to break CO2 to get the raw carbon, which they then use to make the solar cells. This could develop into a carbon sink, to counteract our vast carbon sources.

It'll probally be much cheaper to make them out of oil though. I wonder if a trading system like how Europe does the Koyoto protocol could change the balance and allow companies who produce products out of CO2 get revenue from companies that produce CO2.

[dweller]

2. see

www.nanosolar.com

dp

[AlGore-08.com]

4. Thanks, but I was looking for a "balanced" and/or detailed source

The site talks about "unprecedented product cost/performance", but you have to order some to find out how much they cost. (That implies they ain't cheap.)

I'm looking for something more like:

Nano-solar power plants could replace coal burning/natural gas/nuclear powered electrical plants, cutting emissions by X% in Y years, which will impact global warming Z.

Nano-solar power plants could reduce consumer electricity costs by X% percent compared to Y current technology.

Nano-solar cells would still require X coating, which produces Y toxic by-product. However, this is still a Z percent reduction in pollution based on current technologies.

[dweller]

5. oh

okay.

http://www.redherring.com/Article.aspx?a=12568&hed=10+Private+Cleantech+Companies+to+Watch


dp

[JHB]

3. Your answer is: maybe.

Just answering this withour having read the article, it could depend on the process to create the nanotubes, and it may depend on what -- if anything -- the nanotubes are doped with.

Not enough information here.