Scientists have discovered that a dye extracted from red onion peels could be the missing ingredient required to create an effective ultraviolet (UV) protection for solar cells.
These solar cells are commonly coated with a less sustainable petroleum-based film to protect them from UV-induced degradation.
For that purpose, researchers are working to replace it with a more sustainable and efficient alternative solution.
Primarily, these films contain two oil-based materials, namely polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl fluoride (PVF).
However, in the exploration to drive the adoption of more sustainable film, nanocellulose has appeared as a competitor.
It is derived from plant-based materials and is produced by breaking down cellulose into nanoscale fibers.
The remarkable discovery showed that combining nanocellulose with a dye made from red onion extract provided “very effective UV protection.”
The study further suggests that a new protective film created from this material has been shown to be highly effective at blocking harmful UV radiation.
Further study has shown that a protective film made from a bio-based material acquired from red onion peels is extremely effective at blocking UV radiation. The film can eliminate 99.9% of UV radiation up to a wavelength of 400 nanometers.
A doctoral researcher at the University of Turku in Finland said in an official statement, said, “The study represents a promising option in applications where the protective material should be bio-based.”
The study researchers made a comparison of the longevity of four protective films made from cellulose nanofibers.
It has been observed that the red onion dye option emerged as a really effective solution, as it provided adequate protection against UV radiation.
The desired results discovered that solar cells face a challenge with UV radiation, particularly below 440nm which causes harm.
The transmission of visible light - wavelengths between 700 and 1200 nm - is significant in enabling the cell to turn radiation into electricity.
This study has extensive ramifications for a range of solar cells, specifically perovskite and organic photovoltaics as well as in other industries where the use of a bio-based filter is necessary.
The development of a red onion-based protective film for solar cells opens up new possibilities for biodegradable solar technology, and one potential application is in food packaging.