Transparent Batteries

Japanese researchers have found a way to bypass the need for solar cells completely by designing a battery that charges itself when exposed to sunlight or other bright light sources.

It all started with the development of a transparent battery about two years ago. Using the same components as a traditional lithium-ion battery, they reduced the thickness of the electrodes to less than 90 nanometers, making them virtually transparent. However, by changing the chemical makeup of the electrolyte used for the negative electrode, these same batteries became self-contained solar power generators, capable of recharging themselves.

The applications for this technology are just about endless. Built into a smartphone display, it could serve as a secondary battery source that harvests energy whenever you’re out in the sun. Or it could be used to create self-contained (no wires needed) smart windows for buildings or cars that automatically store the power they need to adjust to changing light levels.