Scientists turned to a red onion to improve solar cells — and it could make solar power more sustainable

Red onion dye combined with nanocellulose offers a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based protective films for solar cells. This plant-based combination provides exceptional UV protection, eliminating 99.9% of harmful radiation while maintaining high light transmission at crucial wavelengths. It outperformed commercial PET-based filters and maintained effectiveness during long-term testing. This breakthrough could benefit various solar cell technologies and other industries requiring bio-based protective materials, potentially enhancing solar power sustainability.