EurekAlert April 13, 2021
Rose petals have a matt and at the same time rich color. The outer tissue of its petals, the epidermis, consists of densely packed microstructures, additionally ribbed by nanostructures. With these structures, the rose manages to couple all incident light into the cells – only the colored light escapes again. Researchers in Germany combined micro- and nanostructure to develop an anti-reflective film that replicates the epidermis of rose petals. The film increases the yield of solar modules by up to ten percent. Posters, display panels, traffic signs, furniture, packaging, facades, and many other applications also benefit from the technology. The film provides an anti-reflective coating for all kinds of surfaces and gives them a velvety appearance. The film is mechanically flexible, dirt-repellent and highly resistant to UV light, moisture, temperature fluctuations, and can be applied to all types of materials using standard lamination processes. Cost of production is low. Video …read more.
Solar modules without (left) and with (right; visualized) Phytonics film. The film almost completely suppresses reflection for all wavelengths and angles of incidence of light. Credit: Photos by Andrea Fabry; Editing by Phytonics