Iron based solar panels

Researchers from the University of Lund (Sweden) explained how iron-based dyes work at the molecular level in solar cells. New results will accelerate the development of low-cost and environmentally friendly solar panels. Now in the best solar panels use ruthenium - a very rare and expensive element.

The goal is to use iron-based dyes in solar panels in the future. This will make them and “Light catcher” elements cheaper and environmentally friendly. The demand for solar panels is expected to increase significantly, according to lunduniversity.lu.se .

“In this study, we explained how iron-based dyes work at the molecular level. In this way, we can change the panels so that they absorb solar energy even better, ”said Senior Lecturer Petter Persson.

For many decades, researchers from around the world have tried to develop such dyes, but without success. The greatest difficulty is to achieve the desired electronic properties of iron-based dyes. All previous attempts led to a result when the panel generated heat instead of potential difference, which is a prerequisite for power generation.

“There is an international interest in our research. Research teams around the world are seeking new dyes in other areas, ”says Petter Persson.

Further tests will take several years before the development goes into industrial production.