What do sunglasses and solar panels have in common…?
…they both use chlor-alkali to enjoy the benefits of the sun!
Giving you protection in the sun while on holiday…
Chlor-alkali chemistry is used in many polycarbonate sunglass lenses to keep you safe outdoors. Polycarbonate is produced using phosgene. The coatings that provide UV protection on sunglasses often contain compounds made using chlorine or caustic soda (sodium hydroxide).
Uses in sunscreen products as an active ingredient in the form of a chemical filters, titanium dioxide provides protection in the UVB and UVA range and acts as a broad spectrum filter, also protecting against blue light, which can be harmful for the skin. Read more here by our downstream association Titanium Dioxide Manufacturers Association (TDMA).
More detailed information here >
And related to this:
.. and capturing energy from the sun when it shines
Chlor-alkali chemistry is also used to purify silicon in solar panels to help convert sunlight into electricity.
Solar panels primarily use silicon as a semiconductor. The production of high-purity silicon involves processes that use hydrochloric acid, a derivative of chlorine.
The production and preparation of silicon wafers for solar cells often involve etching and cleaning processes using sodium hydroxide or other chemicals derived from the chlor-alkali process. Read more details here.
More detailed information here >
And related to this:
Meet Alain, our energy expert who makes sure we have power >
Watch our video on saving energy >
Read about the key role of energy in chlor-alkali production >
Chlor-alkali is vital for many products in our daily life.
- Watch all our other Benefits videos from our Benefits homepage…
- Check out our Chlorine Things videos (shown to the left) to learn more about the chlor-alkali products you use every day…
- Learn where chlorine, caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), caustic potash (potassium hydroxide) and hydrogen are used in our ‘trees’…
- Meet Mr C, to see how life has improved since the Stone Age thanks, in part, to chlor-alkali chemistry…
- And discover the 17 successes, Europeans whose work is made safer, easier or more sustainable thanks to chlor-alkali!
- Contact eurochlor@cefic.be for more information
