Scientist seeks self-cleaning solar cells

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Oct. 23 (UPI) -- A U.S. scientist, spurred by the features of moth eyes and cicada wings, is developing more efficient and self-cleaning solar cells.

"Nature is an amazing innovator," University of Florida Assistant Professor Peng Jiang Jiang said. "What I'm interested in doing is mimicking the structure of some remarkable biological systems for real-world use."

Jiang’s research team is focusing on a technique to manufacture a coating with a microscopic structure closely resembling that of moth eyes.

Most moth eyes consist of adjacent hexagonal sectors, each filled with thousands of orderly rows of miniscule protrusions. Each protrusion measures less than 300 nanometers. When moths encounter light, the protrusions interfere with its transmission and reflection, rendering the light all but invisible.

Biologists believe the trait evolved in nocturnal moths to prevent their eyes from reflecting moon or starlight, which would make them easier targets for predators.

Jiang used that natural design to create an anti-reflective coating for glass and plastic substrates. He has also added a unique property of cicada wings -- the ability to rapidly shed water and dirt.

The research was reported in the September issue of the journal Applied Physics Letters.