Solar cells could be based on iron molecules in future

Researchers at Lund University have explained how iron-based dyes work on a molecular level in solar cells. The new finding is expected to accelerate the development of inexpensive and environmentally friendly solar cells.

With the integration of iron instead of other more expensive and rare metals, the production of solar cells and light catchers will become cheaper and more environmentally friendly. The demand for solar cells is therefore expected to significantly increase.

“In this new study, we explain how iron-based dyes work on a molecular level. That way we are able to further improve these iron complexes so that they become even better at absorbing and storing solar energy”, said senior lecturer Petter Persson. He further added “There is a lot of international interest in our research. Research groups in other parts of the world are keen to test the new dyes in other areas of application.”

It will possibly take a few years before the iron dyes are commercially used in the production of solar cells and light catchers.

It is difficult to develop new materials for solar energy conversion. For once, the process has been unusually quick, and we have made several important breakthroughs in just a few years.