Polymer-coated catalyst protects 'artificial leaf'
Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:12:12 EDT
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.

Producing cheaper and more flexible multiple thin crystalline silicon wafers
Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:36:36 EDT
Scientists have found a way to make the manufacture of crystalline silicon materials faster and more affordable.

Testing artificial photosynthesis: Fully integrated microfluidic test-bed for solar-driven electrochemical energy conversion systems
Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:32:32 EDT
Researchers have developed the first fully integrated microfluidic test-bed for evaluating and optimizing solar-driven electrochemical energy conversion systems. This test-bed system has already been used to study schemes for photovoltaic electrolysis of water, and can be readily adapted to study proposed artificial photosynthesis and fuel cell technologies.

Catalyst could jump-start e-cars, green energy
Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:54:54 EDT
Scientists have designed a new type of nanostructured-carbon-based catalyst that could pave the way for reliable, economical next-generation batteries and alkaline fuel cells, providing for practical use of wind- and solar-powered electricity, as well as enhanced hybrid electric vehicles.

Organic polymers show sunny potential: Groundwork laid for block copolymer solar cells
Wed, 29 May 2013 15:46:46 EDT
A new version of solar cells could open the door to research on a new class of solar energy devices. The photovoltaic devices are based on block copolymers, self-assembling organic materials that arrange themselves into distinct layers. They easily outperform other cells with polymer compounds as active elements.