SnS solar cell
Current thin-film solar cells often use cadmium telluride and copper indium gallium selenide to induce the photovoltaic effect. However, these materials contain rare and toxic elements. To avoid these elements, researchers from Tohoku University (Japan; www.tohoku.ac.jp) have created a tin monosulfide (SnS) solar cell that boasts attractive performance levels. Both Sn and S are abundant, easy to refine and non-toxic. The prototype is described in the February issue of Solar RRL.