In the heart of Kenya, researchers are peeling back the layers of solar cell technology, quite literally. Joan Jepngetich, a scientist from the Department of Physical, Biological and Healthy Sciences at Murang’a University of Technology, has been leading a team that’s using citrus peel to enhance the efficiency of solar cells. Their work, published in Materials Research Express, translates to “Materials Research Expressions,” is turning heads in the energy sector, offering a glimpse into a future where solar power could be more effective and affordable.
The team’s focus is on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, a material with promising applications in solar cells. However, pure ZnO has its limitations. To overcome these, Jepngetich and her team have been experimenting with doping ZnO with silver (Ag) to create Ag-ZnO nanoparticles. But here’s where the citrus comes in. They’ve been using peel extract from Citrus reticulata, more commonly known as mandarin oranges, as a capping agent to control the growth and stability of these nanoparticles.
“The capping agent had major effects on the properties of the nanoparticles,” Jepngetich explains. Their research shows that the citrus peel extract significantly reduces the crystal size of the nanoparticles, which can enhance their performance in solar cells. This is a significant finding, as the efficiency of solar cells is heavily dependent on the size and structure of the nanoparticles used.
The team used a variety of techniques to characterize their nanoparticles, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Their results showed that the citrus peel extract not only reduced the crystal size but also improved the crystal structure and stability of the nanoparticles. This is a promising development, as it suggests that the use of citrus peel extract could lead to more efficient and durable solar cells.
But perhaps the most exciting finding is the effect of the citrus peel extract on the bandgap energy of the nanoparticles. The bandgap energy is a crucial factor in determining the efficiency of a solar cell. The team found that the bandgap energy increased when the nanoparticles were doped with silver and capped with the citrus peel extract. This increase in bandgap energy could potentially lead to more efficient solar cells.
So, what does this all mean for the future of solar power? Well, if this research can be scaled up and commercialized, it could lead to a significant reduction in the cost of solar cells. The use of citrus peel extract as a capping agent is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly, as it utilizes a waste product that would otherwise be discarded. Moreover, the improved efficiency and durability of the solar cells could make solar power a more viable option for meeting the world’s energy needs.
Jepngetich’s work is a testament to the power of innovative thinking in science. By looking at a common waste product in a new light, she and her team have opened up a world of possibilities for the future of solar power. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and energy security, research like this offers a beacon of hope. It’s a reminder that the solutions to our most pressing problems often lie in the most unexpected places. And in this case, it’s in the peel of a mandarin orange.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. It could pave the way for more sustainable and efficient solar cells, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the impacts of climate change. It’s a exciting time for the energy sector, and research like this is at the forefront of driving this change. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the power of the sun, harnessed through innovative technologies like these, could be the key to a sustainable and prosperous world.