Solar Cells and Artificial Photosynthesis

Our final activity for 2004 explored new types of solar cells. Summer weather highlights the incredible amounts of energy available from the sun; recent developments ni physics are enabling us to take advantage of natures methods of harnessing the sun's energy.

Silicon-based solar cells are now established technology. They do, however, have limitations. So at UQ Physics solar cells are being studied from the point of views of biophotonics - investigating the interaction between light and living organisms. For example, in the leaves of plants, photons of light from sunlight are converted into eletrons.

This workshop explored the physics behind photosynthesis and solar energy, and research work in this exciting field. Students created their own artificial synthesis, making photovoltaic cells that mimic natural processes of producing electric currents.