Researchers utilized a red onion in an attempt to enhance solar cell efficiency, potentially leading to a more sustainable solar power future.
In a groundbreaking development, researchers from the University of British Columbia and the University of Turku have created a new solar cell technology that could potentially revolutionise the solar power industry. The key to this breakthrough lies in a protective film made from nanocellulose and dye extracts from red onions.
Typically, solar cells are coated with petroleum-based films like polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to protect them from UV-induced degradation. However, this new red onion dye-based protective film has proven to be very effective in providing similar protection, while also outperforming a commercial PET-based UV filter currently available on the market.
The study, published in ACS Applied Optical Materials, found that the protective film made from nanocellulose and red onion skin extract eliminated 99.9% of UV radiation up to a wavelength of 400 nanometers. Moreover, the transmittance of the nanocellulose film treated with red onion dye exceeded 80% light transmission at longer wavelengths.
The durability of the red onion dye-based protective film was also tested over an extended period, and it maintained its performance throughout. This is a significant improvement over other bio-based filters, whose UV protection and light transmittance changed significantly over time. For example, films treated with iron ions had good initial transmittance, but this reduced after aging.
Lignin-containing films, another type of bio-based filter, have a transmittance of typically 50% between 400 and 600 nm and at most 85% above 600 nm. In comparison, the red onion dye-based protective film provides superior UV protection and light transmittance.
The researchers compared the durability of four protective films made from cellulose nanofibers, each treated with different substances. All four protective films provided adequate protection against UV radiation, but the red onion dye option was the most effective.
The implications of this study extend beyond the solar power industry. The red onion dye could potentially be used in other industries such as food packaging for powering sensors in sterile environments. Furthermore, the study's findings could potentially lead to the development of solar cells in ultra-thin coatings, turning phone cases and electric vehicles into mini power generators.
Rustem Nizamov, a doctoral researcher at the University of Turku, stated that this red onion dye-based option represents a promising option in applications where the protective material should be bio-based. The study emphasises the importance of long-term testing for UV filters to ensure their effectiveness and durability.
This innovative research is yet another step towards creating sustainable, biologically-based materials for solar cell protection. Nanocellulose, derived from plant-based materials, has emerged as a frontrunner in this quest. The future of solar power looks brighter than ever.
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