Staff Reporter
University of the Free State (UFS) award-winning scientist Emmie Chiyindiko is working on an ambitious project that could vastly improve solar energy efficiency under long periods of limited sunshine at a third of the current cost.
Chiyindiko, who came second when she pitched her research idea at the Falling Walls Science Summit held in Germany recently, told The Free Stater her project could bring solar energy to the over one billion people who have no access to electricity across the world.
“My research in dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSC) with special metal complexes is among the most interesting alternatives to conventional solar cells,” said Chiyindiko, who is pursuing a PhD in chemistry.
She said the design of the cells is inspired by photosynthesis, a process used by plants to transform sunlight into energy using chlorophyll, the green matter in a leaf.
“Instead of a leaf, the cells start with a porous, transparent film of eco-friendly titanium dioxide nanoparticles,” she explained.
“The film is coated with a range of different dyes and the cells are optimised for specific wavelengths of light.
“When sunlight hits, it excites electrons in the dye. There is movement of energy-excited electrons through the nanoparticles . . . electrolyte for harvest and back to the dye creates an endless supply of energy.”
According to the 28-year-old scientist, DSSC are three times cheaper than conventional cells, more reliable and produce 40 percent more energy.
“These next-generation cells work impeccably in low light and non-direct sunlight conditions, producing energy all year-round energy with minimum disruptions,” she added.
Chiyindiko’s award-winning pitch was titled “Breaking the Wall of Darkness”.
The conference, whose name is inspired by the pulling down in 1989 of the Berlin Wall which divided the then East and West Germany, is described as a unique international platform for leaders from the fields of science, business, politics, the arts and others.
Elaborating the electricity gap between rich and poor nations, Chiyindiko said people in California use more electricity playing video games than what Malawi, Mozambique and South Sudan use in total.
She said ending energy poverty across the globe is key to improving production as well as people’s lives.
“There is a huge gap between the energy haves and the energy have-nots,” said Chiyindiko.
“As we rethink the structure of post-COVID economies and societies, we need to invest in these new technologies and systems.
“We are on the cusp of an energy revolution . . .”
She pointed out that her research seeks to provide affordable, abundant and reliable clean power to build livelihoods, improve health outcomes, grow income and opportunity as well as empower communities while tackling climate change.