University of Wisconsin-Madison Geology Museum
This crystal of iron pyrite shows the characteristic cubic crystals of “fool’s gold.” A new study led by Song Jin at the University of Wisconsin-Madison identifies defects in pyrite’s crystal structure as a critical obstacle to building commercial solar cells from the cheap and abundant iron pyrite material.
As the installation of photovoltaic solar cells continues to accelerate, scientists are looking for inexpensive materials beyond the traditional silicon that can efficiently convert sunlight into electricity.
Theoretically, iron pyrite — a cheap compound that makes a common mineral known as fool’s gold — could do the job, but when it works at all, the conversion efficiency remains frustratingly low. Now, a University of Wisconsin-Madison research team explains why that is, in a discovery that suggests how improvements in this promising material could lead to inexpensive yet efficient solar cells.
“We think we now understand why pyrite hasn’t worked,” says chemistry Professor Song Jin, “and that provides the hope, based on our understanding, for figuring out how to make it work. This could be even more difficult, but exciting and rewarding.”
Although most commercial photovoltaic cells nowadays are based on silicon, the light-collecting film must be relatively thick and pure, which makes the production process costly and energy-intensive, says Jin.
A film of iron pyrite — a compound built of iron and sulfur atoms — could be 1,000 times thinner than silicon and still efficiently absorb sunlight.
Like silicon, iron and sulfur are common elements in the Earth’s crust, so solar cells made of iron pyrite could have a significant material cost advantage in large scale deployment. In fact, previous research that balanced factors like theoretical efficiency, materials availability, and extraction cost put iron pyrite at the top of the list of candidates for low-cost and large-scale photovoltaic materials.
The Latest on: Iron pyrite
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Iron pyrite” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Iron pyrite
- 13 Pyrite Way Dalyellup WA 6230on September 27, 2023 at 12:57 am
A vibrant community setting next to hectares of untouched tuart forest, Forest Edge Estate gives you all the benefits of a peaceful natural surrounding with the convenience of city living ...
- I’m moving my family into a caravan because our dream home is collapsing, I never thought it would happen to meon September 26, 2023 at 10:00 pm
MICA march organiser Paddy Diver and his family are preparing to move into a caravan from where they will watch the home he built crumble to the ground. It is just over a decade since they moved ...
- Photo Gallery - Tagged: iron pyriteon September 20, 2023 at 9:21 pm
Become a part of one of the friendliest photo sharing communities online. Share your photos to show-off, improve and discuss your photography, as well as get free critique on your photography.
- Makinikia and economic liberation: The untold story– 15on September 19, 2023 at 11:21 pm
It is important to underscore that in economic geology, the cut-off grades of ores (mined rock that is not yet concentrated) and concentrates must be reached to merit economic metal extraction.
- Copper Road Resources Intersects Broad Zones of Visible Copper Mineralization at its Copper Road Project in Batchewana Bay, Ontarioon September 19, 2023 at 4:30 am
At the Jogran Porphyry target, both holes J-23-01 and J-23-02 intersected broad zones of copper mineralization (194 m from 4-198 metres and 137 ...
- Mould and debt add to homeowners' mica and pyrite nightmareson September 7, 2023 at 4:54 am
Under it, homeowners in Donegal, Clare, Mayo and Limerick affected by defective blocks containing excessive amounts of the minerals mica and pyrite can apply for financial help. But payments ...
- Unveiling the Pyrite Meaning: Healing Properties & Everyday Useson August 26, 2023 at 5:22 pm
Pyrite, a stunning metallic brassy yellow mineral, is composed of sulfur and iron, and is often used in pyrite gemstones. This enchanting pyrite stone is renowned for its: Protective properties ...
- 7 Pyrite Place Edmonton QLD 4869on November 11, 2022 at 7:56 am
7 Pyrite Place, Edmonton QLD 4869 was last sold in 2023 and 124 other 4 bedroom house in Edmonton have recently been sold. There are currently 21 properties for sale in Edmonton.
- Pyrite, the mineral world’s champion of diverse origins (IMAGE)on July 1, 2022 at 7:01 am
Nature has used 21 different ways over the last 4.5 billion years to create pyrite (aka Fool’s Gold) -- the mineral world’s champion of diverse origins. Pyrite forms at high temperature and ...
- Standard International Trade Classification (SITC 3)on February 23, 2022 at 8:41 pm
sand and gravel 274 Sulphur and unroasted iron pyrites 277 Natural abrasives, n.e.s. (including industrial diamonds) 278 Other crude minerals 281 Iron ore and concentrates 282 Ferrous waste and scrap; ...
via Bing News
