Due to the fluctuating availability of solar energy, storage
solutions are urgently needed. One option is to use the electrical energy
generated inside solar cells to split water by means of electrolysis, in the
process yielding hydrogen that can be used for a storable fuel. Researchers at
the HZB Institute for Solar Fuels have modified so called superstrate solar
cells with their highly efficient architecture in order to obtain hydrogen from
water with the help of suitable catalysts. This type of cell works something
like an "artificial leaf." But the solar cell rapidly corrodes when
placed in the aqueous electrolyte solution. Now, Ph.D. student Diana Stellmach
has found a way to prevent corrosion by embedding the catalysts in an
electrically conducting polymer and then mounting them onto the solar cell's
two contact surfaces, making her the first scientist in all of Europe to have
come up with this solution. As a result, the cell's sensitive contacts are
sealed to prevent corrosion with a stable yield of approx. 3.7 percent
sunlight.