Diatomite's solar promise: A cost-cutting silicon alternative

Photovoltaics is developing dynamically, and the demand for efficient solar energy sources grows 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 material can achieve the appropriate purity.

Diatomaceous earth, also known as diatomite, has long been used in various industries—from construction to water filters. Currently, scientists from Germany and Algeria are researching the use of diatomite as a raw material for obtaining silicon, a key component of solar cells. Diatomite contains amorphous silicon dioxide, making it a potentially valuable element source. 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 focus particularly on diagnostic methods that help detect unwanted elements in diatomite. The LIBS tool, or laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, shows high sensitivity, allowing for 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 truly prove to 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 factor, as 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 can be 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 their greater availability and wider use of solar energy worldwide. Nonetheless, advanced purification processes will be required to obtain high-quality silicon, and intensive work on improving these processes 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 ecological. If the challenges related to material purity can be overcome, diatomite may become the foundation of the next generation of solar cells.