Synthetic molecules that mimic chlorophyll in plants may one day form the basis of highly efficient solar cells, say Australian researchers. Professor Max Crossley’s molecular electronics group at the University of Sydney recently presented its research at the International Conference on Porphyrins and Phthalocyanines in Rome.

Producing solar cells with zero-emissions electricity will provide new manufacturing opportunities for local industries. Australian solar cells researchers and industry have partnered to develop innovative ways of generating zero-emissions electricity using a printing machine to produce solar cells.

A promising approach for making solar cells that are inexpensive, lightweight and flexible is to use organic (that is, carbon-containing) compounds instead of expensive, highly purified silicon.

Scientists have uncovered why thinner solar cells with well organised patterns on their surface are better able to trap and absorb light. The discovery could mean cheaper and more efficient solar cell technology.