FAU studies could provide insights for energy-storing solar cells

German research university FAU is looking into the possibility of energy-storing solar cells as part of two research projects that have received more than EUR 1 million (USD 1.2m) in funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Energy storing solar cells could be possible thanks to intramolecular reactions, the university said last week.

Under the two joint projects, the researchers are investigating ideas for using molecules to store solar energy and are studying molecules and processes that allow energy to be stored efficiently and released in a controlled manner. It is conceivable that stored chemical energy could be turned directly into electrical energy and this would open up the possibility of building an energy-storing solar cell, the university explained.

At the core of the research is the "norbornadiene-quadricyclane storage system." Norbornadiene (NBD) and quadricyclane (QC) are hydrocarbons that have been discussed as potential candidates for storing solar energy for some time. Light triggers a reaction within the norbornadiene molecule, transforming it into quadricyclane. The reaction produces an energy density similar to that of a high-performance battery, according to the announcement, and because of this quadricyclane is also known as "solar fuel."

Under one of the projects, the scientists are working on producing various new groups of NBD and QC derivatives, with their long-term aim being the creation of a closed system-fuel cycle for molecular storage systems.

Under the second project, the scientists are developing new catalyst systems and electrodes which can be used to convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy.

The results of the projects could form the basis for building an energy-storing solar cell, FAU said.

(EUR 1 = USD 1.161)

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