Algae as a future: Hildesheim research revolutionizes solar technology!

Algae as a future: Hildesheim research revolutionizes solar technology!

Research on renewable energies is increasing, and a new cooperation between the HAWK University of Applied Science and Art and the University of Oran in Algeria could make significant progress. The focus of this cooperation is the investigation of fossil algae as a raw material for silicon extraction for solar cells.

fossil algae, known as pebbles, are a versatile material that was used in various industries for centuries. Kieselgur, the substance that consists of the shells of these algae, is not only used as a filtration medium in the beverage industry, but is also used in construction applications, e.g. as an insulation material or cleaning agent.

research on silicon recovery and material analysis

The HAWK and its partners are now trying out how this natural material can be used for the production of silicon haulusers for solar cells. In view of the high proportion of silicon dioxide in pebbles, this is a promising direction. The research also includes the analysis of the aging of solar modules, with examining how environmental influences can affect the chemical composition of the cover glasses.

A very important player in this project is Prof. Dr. Sid Ahmed Beldjilali from the University of Oran. He regularly visits the Hawk as a visiting scientist. His most recent thirteenth research trip to Göttingen included intensive laboratory work together with his colleague, Prof. Dr. Christoph Gerhard, and other members of the laboratory. Together, a variety of materials were considered that are used in photovoltaics to extract electricity.

The close cooperation between the two institutions is based not only on scientific exchange, but also on a personal friendship. Gerhard is enthusiastic about Beldjilalis: "Exchange knowledge and experience, brings us both further in our understanding of material analysis," explains Gerhard. Beldjilali adds that he appreciates the time with his colleagues in Göttingen and considered the intercultural exchange as valuable.

The collaboration has already led to a significant success: a common specialist article that was submitted in a renowned journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry, has now been recognized. The article entitled "Quantification of Impurities in Diatomites via Sensitivity Icalibration-Free Laser-Indown Spectroscopy" deals with the quantitative analysis of contaminants in pebbles and testifies to the high quality of research.

On his way back to Oran, Beldjilali took the opportunity to visit a former student and employee of HAWK, Jan Gluth, in Frankfurt am Main. This personal connection between the researchers and the ongoing communication are important elements for the development of common scientific projects.

This cooperation between Germany and Algeria impressively shows how interdisciplinary research and international partnerships can help develop innovative solutions in the field of sustainable technologies, and could therefore play a key role in future energy supply. Further information can be found in a detailed report at www.innovation-rort.de .