Programmable Liquid Crystal Could Lead to Better Solar Panels

Dec-08-18 Programmable liquid crystal inspired by gecko feet could lead to solar panels able to track the sun.

The team from Harvard created the 3D-controllable liquid crystal elements by synthesizing the LCEs in a magnetic field. This allowed the group to manipulate the elements as they formed and create an orientation that remained in the solid polymer. The material will also deform when exposed to heat, but will then take on its original shape when cooled.

The team believes one application of the material could be a polymer able to track light and increase the efficiency of solar systems.

More Info about this Invention:

[CO.UK]
[SEAS.HARVARD.EDU]

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