Artificial Leaf

This is a solar cell made out of inexpensive materials. this video explains how to make a solar cell from 2 pieces of aluminum, a piece of paper, some 5 minute epoxy, carbon fiber and barley grass extract (i sh!t you not). I was reading about the photo electric effect. Plants use this to split water and make sugars. I figure: if I just mix the chlorophyll with epoxy and carbon, it should form a photoelectric layer. in fact this cell performs much better than I expected. Pulling half a volt from my desk light, it does better than a satellite grade cell i have in my junk box, which will only pull 200 mills, 500 in sun. Patent pending.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• solar
• cell
• diy
• awsome
• money
• wow
• great
• fun
• give
• me
• million
• dollars
• already

[fredrik999z]

Looks cool, what is the output wattage?

[UFOMAN618]

@fredrik999z i estimated the 3rd prototype at around 3 watts from the 4 by 5 inch cell...not impressive compared to modern 130 watt cells but still a measurable current and efficiency (impressively) from a homemade polymer cell...im a mechanical engineer so it would be nice to get some biochemists working on this who understand the photoelectric effect regarding organic molecules more than I.

[challenger159]

Tried to rebuild it, no success. What I know: Certain Colors will shift light to frequencies that eg. Titandioxid (eg. Tooth paste, dispersion color) will be sensitive for, allow them to inject electrons (pushed by photons) into the Acceptor "holes". Graphit at the other pole will speed things up. Between them must be an Electrolyte (Iod tincture) that will handle the electron exchange. However, organic Colors only work for a few months. Best option seems to be "Chinacridon" See wikipedia.

[UFOMAN618]

@challenger159 My guess on dealing with this is to not allow exposure to oxygen in the cell.. Signs using plastic paint last for many years without bleaching. All materials exhibit varying degrees of the photoelectric effect. Ie either beta particle creation or negation (holes). My theory for this first cell departs from semiconductor tech used in traditional cells.

[moenomix]

how long does the chlorophyll take to bleach?

could you make a vid with a more detailed plan? whould like to confirm your invention.

[UFOMAN618]

@moenomix Once I am not broke and have a house this will occur regularly. = otherwise might be a few years or months.

[fredrik999z]

@UFOMAN618 It is a good way of explaining the photovoltic effect for sure but not very useable. To get higher output in organic cells you'll need to "align" the molecules to get better flow of electrons. Just putting random materials together won't do any good. That is called nano-technology and requires some very expensive equipment. However, nice experiment!

[EpicDucksVideos]

I made the same thing in science class, when everyone else made mechanical to electrical generators I made a photon to electricity generator before I even saw your video. =D

[dragmit]

There is a great deal of difference between volts and watts. I have a 10,000 volt generator that can not even flash a common 60 watt light bulb, or even burn out its element. What is the power available, that is the real question.

[UFOMAN618]

no water, chlorophyll and epoxy. Cell does not produce volts in dark. Worked for years.

[pozzimystic]

lots of people don't get past 4;20 LoL great vid

[gabydewilde]

That green stuff you see in the undomesticated areas.

I invented that!