Japanese scientists have discovered the photoelectric effect in materials in which it has never been

Japanese experts have discovered the photoelectric effect in materials that were not even intended to be the basis for solar panels before.

As the experiments have shown, if certain elements are connected in a special way, then in places they contact, the incident light rays will be able to excite electrons, and, thus, begins to flow electricity.

This unique discovery made it possible to look at the solar panel manufacturing and development industry from a completely different angle.

Detecting the photoelectric effect in new materials

A group of Japanese engineers was engaged in the study of so-called two-dimensional materials, a prominent representative of which is the well-known graphene. But this time, scientists have been closely studying black phosphorus (BP), as well as tungsten selenide (WSe2).

So, individually, these materials do not have photovoltaic properties, but, as it turned out, if one superimpose the material in a certain way on another, then under the rays of the sun in the mixed material begins to flow electricity.

In addition, scientists have found that the "sandwich" created in this way begins to exhibit polarization, which is also not the case for both materials under consideration separately.

Surprisingly, the net effect of the photoelectric effect (which is often found in solar materials) surpasses it in potential.

So, with further work in this direction, the prospects for creating a completely new type of solar panels with even higher efficiency open up.

Working on 2D materials is a deliberate decision by Japanese scientists. So, in the course of numerous experiments, scientists found out that the photoelectric effect when black phosphorus is applied to selenide is formed exclusively in the case when the lines of mirror symmetry of the crystal structures of each of the materials coincide with a special way.

Scientists continue to experiment with one-dimensional materials, and the most challenging task will be finding such a combination of 2D materials with significantly increased production efficiency electric current. And also study the effect of correcting the orientation of layers.

So it will be a long time before we see the new generation of solar panels on sale.

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