Red onion dye could be the missing ingredient required to bolster ultraviolet (UV) protection for solar cells, scientists say.
Solar cells are typically coated with a petroleum-based film to protect them from UV-induced degradation. These films include oil-based materials such as polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
In the quest to drive the adoption of film made from more sustainable, biologically-based materials, nanocellulose has emerged as a frontrunner. Nanocellulose is derived from plant-based materials and is produced by breaking down cellulose into nanoscale fibers.
The researchers behind the new study found that combining nanocellulose with a dye made from red onion skin extract provided “very effective UV protection.” The team published its findings Feb. 24 in the journal ACS Applied Optical Materials.
The study noted that a protective film made from this material eliminated 99.9% of UV radiation, up to a wavelength of 400 nanometers. Notably, the filter also outperformed a commercial PET-based UV filter currently available on the market.
