Väinö Anttalainen
Researchers have developed a bio-based ultraviolet (UV) protection film that has the potential to replace conventional petroleum-derived materials in solar cells.
Their study represents the first comprehensive analysis comparing the long-term efficacy of different bio-based UV filters. The research was conducted by the University of Turku, Finland, in collaboration with Aalto University and Wageningen University.
Solar cells are highly susceptible to UV-induced degradation, necessitating protective films to extend their operational lifespan. Traditional protective layers are composed of petroleum-based materials such as polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
In the pursuit of sustainable alternatives, researchers have turned to nanocellulose, a nanoscale biopolymer. By modifying it with specific compounds, they aim to improve UV protection while maintaining transparency.
A recent study has demonstrated that nanocellulose films infused with red onion skin extract exhibit superior UV-blocking properties. These bio-based films achieved 99.9% UV absorption up to 400 nanometers, outperforming the PET-based UV filters used as industry benchmarks in the study.
“Nanocellulose films treated with red onion dye are a promising option in applications where the protective material should be bio-based,” stated Doctoral Researcher Rustem Nizamov from the University of Turku.
Comparative analysis of bio-based UV filters
The research team systematically evaluated four distinct bio-based protective films composed of cellulose nanofibers. These materials were treated with red onion extract, lignin, and iron ions—each of which has demonstrated UV-blocking properties in prior studies.
Among the tested samples, the red onion extract-infused film exhibited the most effective UV attenuation.
A critical challenge in the development of bio-based solar cell coatings is balancing UV protection with high optical transparency. While UV radiation (wavelengths below 400 nm) accelerates solar cell degradation, visible and near-infrared light (700–1,200 nm) must remain transmissible to ensure efficient photovoltaic conversion.
Lignin, a natural polymer with intrinsic UV-absorbing properties, was found to be less suitable due to its dark brown coloration, which significantly reduces visible light transmission.
In contrast, the red onion dye-treated nanocellulose film exhibited over 80% transparency in the 650–1,100 nm range, making it a highly viable alternative for photovoltaic applications. Furthermore, the film retained its structural integrity and performance throughout extended testing.
Durability and prospective applications
To assess long-term stability, the researchers subjected the UV filters to accelerated aging tests using artificial light for 1,000 hours, simulating approximately one year of outdoor solar exposure in a central European climate. Digital imaging was employed to monitor visual changes in the protective films and underlying solar cells.
“The study emphasized the importance of long-term testing for UV filters, as the UV protection and light transmittance of other bio-based filters changed significantly over time. For example, the films treated with iron ions had good initial transmittance, which reduced after aging,” explained Nizamov.
The developed UV-filtering films were tested on dye-sensitized solar cells, which are particularly vulnerable to UV-induced deterioration. However, researchers anticipate that their findings will be broadly applicable to other photovoltaic technologies, including perovskite and organic solar cells.
“These results are also relevant for the UV protection of other types of solar cells, as well as any application where the use of a bio-based UV filter is paramount,” Nizamov added.
Future research directions include the integration of biodegradable solar cell components for eco-friendly energy generation. Researchers envision applications such as self-powered sensors in food packaging and other transient electronic devices.
“The forest industry is interested in developing new high-grade products. In the field of electronics, these may also be components for solar cells,” noted Professor Kati Miettunen, a specialist in materials engineering.
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The study was published in the journal ACS Applied Optical Materials.
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