Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Photovoltaics: Light absorption can be enhanced by up to 200 percent

Nanostructures optimize light absorption in black butterflies - principle can be transferred to photovoltaics for improving light harvesting in thin-film solar cells.

Solar powered sunglasses

Researchers present sunglasses with colored, semitransparent solar cells applied onto lenses that supply a microprocessor and two displays with electric power. This paves the way for other future applications such as the integration of organic solar cells into windows or overhead glazing.

Erasable ink for 3D printing

3D printing by direct laser writing produces micrometer-sized structures with precisely defined properties.

3D-Printing of glass now possible

Three-dimensional printing allows extremely small and complex structures to be made even in small series. A method developed by researchers for the first time allows also glass to be used for this technique.

Nano-calligraphy on graphene

Scientists have demonstrated a method to chemically modify small regions of graphene with high precision, leading to extreme miniaturisation of chemical and biological sensors.

Flower power: photovoltaic cells replicate rose petals

With a surface resembling that of plants, solar cells improve light-harvesting and thus generate more power.

Organic waste for sustainable batteries

A carbon-based active material produced from apple leftovers and a material of layered oxides might help reduce the costs of future energy storage systems.

Feeling spaces with the Proximity Hat

A portable system informs users about their surroundings by applying pressure to the head and acts as a navigation aid for the visually impaired.

Compostable electronics for printing

Researchers develop printed electronics made of compostable natural materials and processes for industrial production.

First solar cell made of highly ordered molecular frameworks

Researchers have developed a material suited for photovoltaics.

New electrolyte developed for magnesium-sulfur batteries

A research group has developed an electrolyte which allows the construction of magnesium - sulfur battery cells.

World's fastest manufacture of battery electrodes

New world record: Scientists increased the manufacturing speed of electrode foils coated batch-wise by a factor of three - to 100 meters per minute.

Cynora

After a complete reorganization in 2008, CYNORA started the development of organic functional materials for OLEDs and OPV. CYNORA wants to increase the efficiency of fluorescence to a level comparable to phosphorescence. The company says that Singlet Harvesting does not require iridium. Instead, the chemistry is based on copper compounds.

Huge new influx of partners to the Graphene Flagship project

To coincide with Graphene Week 2014, the European Commission is proud to announce that the Graphene Flagship, one of the largest-ever European research initiatives, is doubling in size.

Environmentally compatible organic solar cells

Environmentally compatible production methods for organic solar cells from novel materials are in the focus of "MatHero".

Wireless charging of electric buses to be trialled in Germany

Regional operator Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (RNV) will carry out a pilot project to wirelessly recharge Electric buses while passengers get on and off the vehicles at bus stops along the inner city route 63 in Mannheim, Germany.

Novel etch method produces 3D microstructures in silicon

Researchers have developed a novel method to produce photonic crystals to manipulate optical signals.

Storage systems for renewable energy

Energy storage systems are one of the key technologies for the energy turnaround.

Solar Power from Plastic Foils

Organic Photovoltaics: Group of KIT researchers is granted Funding in the amount of EUR 4.25 million