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Rain batteries

10.04.2016

Over the past four years, solar panels using graphene have set two efficiency records. First, in 2012, scientists from Florida State University (USA) created a prototype photovoltaic cell, which consisted of a silicon semiconductor wafer coated with a layer of graphene treated with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. That prototype showed an efficiency of 8,6%. Two years later, Spanish and British scientists completely got rid of the silicon substrate in such a device, which allowed them to increase the efficiency to 15,6%. To do this, they had to use graphene, titanium oxide and perovskite.

Another achievement in the field of using graphene for solar cells was a recent invention by Chinese scientists. Their photovoltaic cell is able to generate electricity in the absence of the sun. The fact is that when graphene is placed in an aqueous solution, its electrical conductivity allows the material to bind a pair of positively charged ions with a pair of negatively charged electrons during the Lewis acid-base reaction. With this property, the researchers were able to remove lead ions and organic dyes from the solution and obtain elements that produce electricity from both the sun and raindrops.

Rainwater is not distilled, but contains various salts that separate into positively and negatively charged ions. When water contacts graphene, positive ions bind to electrons on the graphene surface. At this point, a double layer of electrons and positively charged ions forms, forming a pseudocapacitor. The potential difference between the two layers turned out to be large enough to create a current and voltage.

Based on this idea, the researchers created in the laboratory a prototype dye-sensitized solar cell coated with a thin film of graphene, which was sprinkled with lightly salted "rain" water. The voltage of the prototype reached hundreds of microvolts, and the efficiency of converting solar energy into electrical energy was 6,5%.

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Viltrox AF 35/1.8 Z full frame lens 29.09.2021

Viltrox has unveiled the AF 35/1.8 Z full-frame autofocus lens for Nikon Z system mirrorless cameras. The product description states that "the compact design and outstanding sharpness across the frame make the lens an attractive choice for a wide range of photographers." Applications for the Viltrox 35mm F/1.8 include everyday photography as well as still life, landscape, architecture and night scenes.

For automatic focusing, a stepper drive is used. Focus is internal. Nikon Eye AF technology is supported. Of course, manual focus is also possible. The lens transmits EXIF data to the camera, and the presence of a USB-C port allows you to update the lens firmware. The risk of ghosting and glare is reduced by the HD nano multilayer coating.

Viltrox AF 35/1.8 Z lens specifications:

focal length - 35 mm;
aperture - f / 1,8-f / 16;
optical design - 10 elements in 8 groups;
minimum focusing distance - 0,4 m;
maximum magnification - 0,1x;
number of aperture blades - 9 (rounded);
filter installation size - 55 mm;
diameter - 70 mm;
length - 89,9 mm;
weight - 370 g.

The lens is priced at $399 by the manufacturer. Includes lids, lens hood and case.

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