Sometimes researchers draw their finest inspiration for their inventions from animals or insects, like the Namib Desert Beetle, which inspired the self-filling water bottle. British researchers have found a clever way to harvest energy while inside: by imitating moths. They’ve created a graphene-based solar cell that traps electromagnetic waves much like a moth’s eyes, making it one of the most energy-absorbent substances. With the right antennas, it could produce energy from not just sunlight, but any device that emits microwave or radio waves—meaning your smartphone could potentially help power your smartwatch. These solar cells would allow us to capture natural light and artificial light, which could be useful in places where the sun doesn’t always shine.
Solar cells inspired by moth eyes can harvest energy indoors
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