The article Molecular solar thermal energy: Liquid stores energy for months first appeared in the online magazine BASIC thinking. With our newsletter UPDATE you can start the day well informed every morning.
Molecular solar thermal energy (MOST) was once considered a great source of hope. But then nothing happened for a long time. Now researchers have made progress by liquefying solar energy and storing it for months.
Heat generation accounts for almost half of global energy demand. So far, fossil fuels such as gas and oil cover two thirds of this demand. While batteries store electrical power efficiently, long-term heat storage remains a technical challenge.
A team of researchers from the University of California shows now a new path in molecular solar thermal energy (MOST). The method stores solar energy directly in chemical bonds for months. Molecules later release the energy as heat exactly when it is needed.
Molecular solar thermal energy: inspiration from sunburn
When developing it, the scientists used chemical processes that are similar to sunburn. Ultraviolet light combines neighboring bases in human DNA to form so-called Dewar isomers. What can cause cancer in nature serves here as a highly efficient molecular battery.
An artificial liquid made from 2-pyrimidone mimics this effect. Under sunlight, the molecule folds into an extremely stable storage form. This condition remains at room temperature for up to 481 days.
The system achieves an energy density of 1.65 megajoules per kilogram. This means it exceeds the capacity of lithium-ion batteries by almost twice. For comparison: Classic heating oil stores around 40 megajoules per kilogram, which illustrates the distance to fossil fuels.
Liquid fuel without poison
The researchers call the underlying mechanism “compounded strain”. The molecules twist into a structure with two four-membered rings made of 1,2-dihydroazet and diazetidine. These rings create tremendous tension, which the substance releases as heat when it snaps back.
In contrast to previous attempts, the storage material is liquid at room temperature. It does not require toxic solvents such as toluene, which would dilute the energy density. Pumps transport the fuel through roof collectors directly into a storage tank in the basement.
The liquid is also insensitive to water and releases enough energy to bring it to a boil. This significantly increases the safety for use in residential buildings. In the event of a leak, no toxic fumes or dangerous chemicals are released.
Hurdles and solutions
The molecules currently only capture around five percent of the solar spectrum. An energetic leak, the so-called non-radiative decay, has so far prevented higher efficiency. The excited molecule immediately shakes off the energy as heat instead of storing it permanently.
The researchers also plan to replace the liquid acid catalyst. In the future, a solid, acid-functionalized surface will control the energy release. This makes subsequent neutralization of the fuel unnecessary and simplifies the cycle.
Also interesting:
- ChatGPT Listening: Disable background conversations
- Solar implant with AI should enable blind people to read again
- Electricity through steps: the future of sustainable energy?
- Vertical wind turbine with AI – for houses in the city
The article Molecular solar thermal energy: Liquid stores energy for months appeared first on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard or subscribe to our newsletter UPDATE.
As a tech industry expert, I find the concept of molecular solar thermal energy fascinating and promising. The ability to store solar energy in liquid form for months has the potential to revolutionize the way we harness and utilize renewable energy sources.
This technology could address one of the major challenges of solar power – its intermittent nature. By storing solar energy in liquid form, we can ensure a continuous and reliable supply of clean energy, even when the sun is not shining.
The fact that this liquid can store energy for months also means that it can be transported and used in locations where solar energy may not be readily available. This opens up new possibilities for expanding the reach and impact of renewable energy technologies.
Overall, molecular solar thermal energy has the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of solar power, making it a key player in the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system. I am excited to see how this technology develops and contributes to the advancement of renewable energy solutions.
Credits