Spray-on Power

Cheap and inexhaustible electricity production remains one of the Holy Grails of the green movement, with solar running neck and neck with wind in its ability to inspire innovation. Here’s an example: Conventional solar cells are made of silicon, a brittle substance that requires a solid backing. But recently, Xiaomei Jiang from the University of South Florida has announced the development of the tiniest solar cells ever produced — cells made from an organic polymer that is able to be dissolved and painted onto any surface that is exposed to the sun. Jiang envisions the cells being applied not just to rooftops, but to cars and clothing as well. The power output is small at the moment, but Jiang hopes to double it soon. “It’s just a matter of months,” she says. “The main components are carbon and hydrogen — materials that are present in nature and are environmentally friendly.” … And we dream of warm solar cell winter jackets as we wait for the bus.