Politecnico di Milano: Electrochemical photoelectrode

Licensing opportunity

Professor Gerd Norga of the Politecnico di Milano, Italy, has invented an improved electrochemical photoelectrode that harnesses sunlight to convert water to hydrogen and oxygen. A photoactive layer absorbs solar radiation, creating electron-hole pairs which drive the splitting of water molecules, resulting in the production of hydrogen and oxygen.

The device offers a superior resistance against photocorrosion, that is, the chemical attack of the electrode material by the electrolyte under irradiation, resulting in enhanced stability, and therefore a longer lifetime for the photoelectrode. The patented technology is available for licence.