MIT developed a genetically engineered virus to increase solar cell efficiency

Genetically engineered virus M13 by researchers at MIT can help increase the work of solar cells in convert light into electricity. Researchers added microscopic carbon nanotubes to more efficient of electron collection on the surface of solar cells.


According to the researchers, M13 is used to control the composition of nanotubes on the surface. It will maintain a separate tube so that they can not short out the circuit and keep the tubes do not clump. Carbon nanotubes will provide a more direct path to the current collector, helping electrons find their way.

Viruses short proteins or peptides bind tightly to the carbon nanotubes, retaining up to 10 nanotubes in place and keep them separated from each other. Viruses can also be engineered to produce coatings of titanium dioxide (TiO2) which is the main ingredient for dye-sensitized solar cells, over each nanotubes. It would put the titanium dioxide in close proximity to the wire or like nanotubes that carry electrons.