LONDON, Dec 24 (APP): Scientists at a leading UK university are turning to nature to find new technology to turn sunlight into electricity. Researchers at Bath University, south west England, have begun using raspberries to help them find ways of producing cheaper and more environmentally friendly solar cells, says a media report.

The Chemistry department at the University has an international reputation for its work on finding new routes to low cost solar cells.

Their research has found that conventional solar cells use silicon to absorb and conduct sunlight, but specially designed dye molecules mean that electricity can be produced more cheaply and using greener materials.

To prove the point, the department is using the natural dye of squashed raspberries to demonstrate the solar cells at work.

The department is copying the natural process of photosynthesis in plants, which is the process of converting light energy into chemical energy.

By replicating the process in the laboratory it’s constructing new forms of solar cells to convert sunlight into energy.

As Scientists think the threat of global climate change grows, universities in the UK are at the forefront of research into sustainable energy projects.

The research into solar cells is one of a number of programmes within the University’s Department of Chemistry that have been showcased at a number of prestigious science festivals including a special science day at Buckingham Palace recently.