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When it comes to capturing the energy of the sun, what better model is there than photosynthetic plants? Researchers at North Carolina State University ^[4] have cultivated a beautiful crop of germanium sulfide ^[5] (GeS) “nanoflowers” that could be used to create next generation solar cells and ultra high-density energy storage systems. The nanoflowers have petals that resemble those of a geranium or marigold – although they’re only 20-30 nanometers thick and they’re capable of storing much more energy than traditional energy storage cells.

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North Carolina State University ^[4] created its GeS nanoflowers by heating germanium sulfide powder in a furnace until it begins to vaporize. Once airborne, the particles are blown into a cooler part of the furnace, where they settle onto a layered sheet that is about 20-30 nanometers thick and 100 nanometers long. As more layers are added, the sheets begin to branch away from one another, forming a structure that looks like a flower.

GeS is inexpensive and non-toxic, making it a desirable choice for use in solar cells ^[7]. In addition to being an efficient material for capturing light and converting it into usable energy, GeS could also potentially extend the capacity of lithium-ion batteries and provide increased storage for supercapacitors.

+ North Carolina State University ^[4]

Via Engadget ^[8]