University of Texas

19:23 August 25, 2009 PDT

Chemical engineering Professor Brian Korgel tests one of his printed solar cells

Cheaper solar cells – roughly one-tenth the cost of current day prices – could be available within three to five years thanks to a manufacturing procedure that uses nanoparticle ‘inks’ to print them like newspaper or to spray-paint them onto the sides of buildings or rooftops. Even windows could become solar cells thanks to the semi-transparent inks. 'Painting' solar cells on buildings has been an idea in the making for some time – Gizmag investigated the possibilities of 'solar paint' in 2008. Read More

RESEARCH WATCH

Thinnest superconducting metal ever may have wide application

By Michael Mulcahy

00:57 June 10, 2009 PDT

Atomic structure of the 2-atom thick lead superconductor, as seen through a scanning micro...

Scientists at the University of Texas have developed a superconducting sheet of lead only two atoms thick, a remarkably pliable nanomaterial that could help lead to new breakthroughs in electricity generation and computer processing speeds. Read More

University of Texas

Plan to turn rooftops, walls and windows into cheap solar cells

Thinnest superconducting metal ever may have wide application