Manganese is a key element in solar panels

Manganese and solar panels

Manganese is used in different green energy technologies, among which solar panels can be mentioned. In solar power, the use of manganese atoms increases the electric current produced by a solar cell. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), a promising solar power to electricity conversion technology which mimics some of the key processes in photosynthesis during its operation, have attracted a substantial interest in the last 30 years.

An important component of these is the redox mediator effecting the transport of charge between the photoelectrode and the dark counter electrode (CE). Among the possible mediators, manganese complexes have been reported to play a prominent role. 

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