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Techno Trends

The big ideas that are changing everything

Solar Charger

Scientists in the U.K. have designed an organic solar cell that can recharge a lithium-ion battery directly using a lightweight, credit-card sized device – a breakthrough that could change the way we use mobile devices.

One of the drawbacks of organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology has traditionally been low-output voltage in low light conditions. The new design addresses this problem and goes even further, generating up to 7 volts – more than enough to power a standard lithium-ion battery. It works in full sun or partial shade, indoors or outdoors, making it ideal for keeping all of your personal electronic devices “topped off” and ready to go.

For information: Tim Jones, Warwick University, Department of Chemistry, Gibbet Hill, Doventry CV4 7AL, U.K.; phone: +44(0)24-76-523653; fax: +44(0)24-76-524112; email: t.s.jones@warwick.ac.uk; Web site: www.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/chemistry Daniel Burrus' Top Twenty Technology-Driven Trends for 2013