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The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2000


Solar cells

The process giving rise to electro-luminescence can also be "run backwards". Absorption of light creates positive and negative charges that are picked up by the electrodes, providing an electric current. This is the principle of the solar cell.
    The advantage of plastic is that large, flexible surfaces can be made relatively easily and cheaply. Solar cell plastic could be spread out over large areas and give us environmental friendly electricity in the not-too-distant future.