Solar panels typically utilize photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity, but their durability and effectiveness diminish over time. Dr Ken Leung, Associate Professor of Department of Chemistry at Hong Kong Baptist University, along with his team, is dedicated to developing nanofiber technology to enhance thermostability of pigments crucial for solar energy absorption and conversion.
As a green and renewable energy, the demand for solar power is rapidly increasing in society. It is expected to represent 10% of global power generation by 2030. However, the efficiency of solar panels can be hampered by their cleanliness, and cleaning them requires a large amount of water. The accumulation of dust on panels can lead to a 30% decrease in output within a month, necessitating labor-intensive cleaning processes that consume approximately 10 billion gallons of water per year.
Dr Leung’s innovative nanofiber technology aims to enhance the durability, thermostability, and acid-stability of solar panel pigments while incorporating self-cleaning properties. This advancement not only improves panel efficiency and longevity but also contributes to reducing CO2 emissions and streamlining maintenance processes. The novel coating methods offer a sustainable solution for both intermediate and end-products in the solar energy sector, facilitating a more efficient and environmentally friendly energy production system.
