Diatomite: A potential game-changer in solar energy tech

Photovoltaics is developing dynamically, and the demand for efficient solar energy sources is growing yearly. Traditionally, solar cells are based on silicon, which is costly to obtain and affects the final price of photovoltaic panels. Diatomite, a natural mineral containing amorphous silicon dioxide, may become an alternative to current silicon sources, opening the door to innovative technological and economic solutions. Scientists see great potential in it, especially if the appropriate purity of the material can be achieved.

Diatomaceous earth, or diatomite, has long been widely used in various industries—from construction to water filters. Scientists from Germany and Algeria are undertaking new research on using diatomite as a raw material for obtaining silicon, a key component of solar cells. Diatomite contains amorphous silicon dioxide, making it a potentially valuable source of this element; however, it must achieve high purity to be effectively used in photovoltaics. Purifying the raw material of impurities is a priority, as their presence can reduce the final product's performance.

Researchers are focusing on diagnostic methods that help detect unwanted elements in diatomite. The LIBS tool, or laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, shows high sensitivity, allowing for an accurate examination of material purity. X-ray surface analysis is also used, enabling a thorough understanding of the structure and properties of this material. Will diatomaceous earth be a groundbreaking silicon source for the photovoltaic industry? We will learn this from further research, which may significantly impact the future of this technology.

The potential of diatomite as a raw material for silicon production opens up new prospects for the photovoltaic market. Scientists emphasize that if silicon of appropriate purity can be obtained from diatomaceous earth, solar cell production costs could significantly decrease. This is an important argument since perovskites—an alternative to silicon—are currently popular due to their lower price. Thanks to diatomite, the photovoltaic industry could cost-competitively rival perovskites while maintaining its current performance standards.

In addition to costs, the widespread availability of diatomite is also crucial. Diatomaceous earth deposits are found in the United States, China, Turkey, and Germany. Easier access to this raw material would allow for large-scale production of solar cells, potentially leading to greater availability and wider use of solar energy worldwide. Nevertheless, advanced purification processes will be required to obtain high-quality silicon, and intensive work on improving them is ongoing.

Despite many unknowns, diatomite is a promising alternative to traditional silicon sources. Introducing this material into mass solar cell production could reduce costs and make photovoltaics more environmentally friendly. If the challenges related to material purity can be overcome, diatomite may become the foundation of the next generation of solar cells.