Solar Cells Technology JV Development

Solar Cells Technology JV Development

Using thin film technology from G24 Innovations, BASF will jointly develop ionic liquids and formulations for a new class of solar cells.

G24 Innovations Limited (G24i) and BASF to initiate a program to develop ionic liquids and formulations that further improve both performance and efficiency of G24i’s solar cells using a proprietary dye sensitized thin film technology.

This joint development partnership agreement for advances in photovoltaics will be for new formulations for increased efficiency of solar technology.

G24i, Cardiff, Wales, is a UK company that manufactures highly automated, roll-to-roll lightweight solar cells, based on this new dye-sensitized technology.

The photovoltaic cells produced by G24i are sensitive to far more of the visible spectrum of light than conventional solar cells, so that all sorts of light sources can be used to generate power, even at relatively low levels of light intensity. The photovoltaic process used is roughly analogous to photosynthesis in plants: a special ruthenium dye assumes the role of chlorophyll, turning light into electrical energy in a chemical process. Specifically adapted to the electrode and dye system, the ionic liquids are key to ensuring that the solar cell will generate power in a reliable and stable manner.

G24i’s dye-sensitized thin film technology is based on solar cells originally developed by Dr. Michael Graetzel of the Swiss Institute of Technology (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). Solar cells and products developed using this technology are lightweight, durable and ideal for integration or embedding into a wide range of products. G24i is developing solar products to power a range of portable electronics such as mobile telephones but also examines the use in smart textiles and building-integrated materials.

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