New textile yarn can absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity

Researchers in the United States have developed rayon that can absorb and store solar energy and can be woven into textiles, transforming jackets and other clothing into wearable solar cells in the future.

A team of University of Florida (UCF) scientists said the technology was inspired by Nike’s self-tying shoes, which were inspired by the movie “Back to the Future Part 2” 30 years ago. The team firmly believes that one day this technology will Could “revolutionize” wearable technology.

Associate Professor Jayan Thomas, a nanotechnology scientist at the university’s Center for Nanoscience and Technology, said: “The motivation for this development came from that movie. If self-charging clothes or textiles could be developed, these movie fantasies could all be realized – which is cool. The idea came from: We make energy storage devices, we make solar cells in the laboratory, why not combine these two devices?”

This newly designed copper ribbon developed by Thomas’ research team is characterized by its thinness, flexibility and lightness. The product has solar cells on one side and an energy storage layer on the other.

Although familiar with advanced nanotechnology, Thomas and his team purchased a small tabletop loom and learned how to weave silk into a square yarn.

Research and development at UCF has demonstrated that rayon can be woven throughout a jacket or other outerwear to absorb and store energy to power cell phones, personal health sensors and other technology gadgets. The advance overcomes a major drawback of solar cells: The energy they produce must flow into the grid or be stored in non-removable batteries.

“A major application could be for the military, when our soldiers are in Iraq or Afghanistan, and they’re marching in the sun. Some of them will be carrying over 30 pounds of batteries on them. It’s difficult for the military to be in that hostile environment. Deliver batteries to soldiers. If there is a garment like this, it can absorb and store energy at the same time as long as there is sunlight,” Thomas added.

Thomas said there are many other potential uses, including electric vehicles that can generate and store energy whenever they are exposed to sunlight.

“This is the future, and we’ve proven that it can be manufactured and produced, which will be very useful to the public and the military and many other applications.” Thomas said.