There go the solar cells.Plastic solar cells solar cell, semiconductor devised to convert light to electric current. It is a specially constructed diode, usually made of silicon crystal. When light strikes the exposed active surface, it knocks electrons loose from their sites in the crystal. may indeed be gaining in efficiency ("Infrared Vision: New material may enhance plastic solar cells," SN: 1/22/05, p. 53), but here in the Southwest, anything plastic left out in the sun quickly clouds, desiccates, and cracks. Can the new polymer-based material protect against this destruction? It would certainly be cost prohibitive pro·hib·i·tive also pro·hib·i·to·ry adj. 1. Prohibiting; forbidding: took prohibitive measures. 2. to replace the cells every year. STEPHEN WUST, SANTA FE Santa Fe, city, Argentina Santa Fe, city (1991 pop. 341,000), capital of Santa Fe prov., NE Argentina, a river port near the Paraná, with which it is connected by canal. , N.M. Researchers are well aware that, left alone, plastic solar cells won't last long in the environment because the combination of light, oxygen, and water vapor degrades polymers. But the solution seems pretty simple. Some kind of transparent sealant Sealant A thin plastic substance that is painted over teeth as an anti-cavity measure to seal out food particles and acids produced by bacteria. Mentioned in: Tooth Decay sealant see bone sealant. or other encapsulating material would block out oxygen and water while letting through light. Companies and academics are working on it. --A. GOHO |
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