'Fool's gold' compound could reduce solar cell costs

A new study by researchers at Oregon State University in the United States has found that "fool's gold" compounds may provide cheap and promising raw materials for the manufacture of solar cells.

The raw materials for some solar cells come from rare, expensive or toxic elements, but this compound is non-toxic and can be extracted from the most abundant elements on earth. The research cost was published in the latest issue of Advanced Energy Materials.

"We have long been interested in fool's gold for its solar properties," said Douglas Keszler, distinguished professor of chemistry at Oregon State University. "Even though it has these properties, it doesn't work and we don't know why. As we looked further, we found another substance that has the same benefits but without the problems. These compounds are very stable, safe and don't break down."

The work of developing new materials and finding better alternatives will continue at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.