Dr Kamat and his team covered the surface of an experimental cell made of cadmium sulphide, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with nanotubes, so that the tubes stuck up from the surface like hairs.

ECONOMIST: Improved devices may make better use of sunlight

The new solar structure consists of n-type nanocones made of zinc oxide surrounded by a p-type semiconductor matrix made of polycrystalline cadmium telluride.

FORBES: Nanocone-Tips Take Solar Cell Efficiency to Next Level