Waterproof coating could pave way for solar fuels

Perovskite solar cells are thinner and potentially much cheaper than their silicon counterparts, and can be printed on to surfaces such as roof tiles. However, they are unstable in water, limiting their practical use in outdoor environments and for splitting water. Developed by scientists at the University of Bath's Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies, the new graphite coating was tested underwater to split hydrogen and oxygen using solar energy.

According to the research, published in Nature Communications, the coated cells lasted for 30 hours underwater, 10 hours better than the previous record. At that point, the glue binding the coating to the cells failed, but the researchers believe a stronger glue could further enhance the cells’ longevity.

"Perovskite solar cell technology could make solar energy much more affordable for people and allow solar cells to be printed onto roof tiles,” said Dr Petra Cameron, senior lecturer in Chemistry at Bath. “However at the moment they are really unstable in water - solar cells are not much use if they dissolve in the rain!