22/11/2024
Scientists created a liquid that can store solar energy for 20 years:
Researchers at Sweden's Chalmers University of Technology have developed an innovative energy system that stores solar energy in liquid form and can now generate electricity.
The system, called the MOlecular Solar Thermal (MOST) system, has been in development for over a decade and uses a specially designed molecule made from carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
When exposed to sunlight, the molecule changes its shape, transforming into an energy-rich isomer that can be stored in liquid form for up to 18 years. The energy is released as heat when a catalyst triggers the molecule to revert to its original state, and a recent breakthrough has allowed this heat to be converted into electricity.
The Chalmers team collaborated with researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China to create a compact thermoelectric generator that can convert the stored solar energy into electrical power. While the system currently produces only small amounts of electricity, the researchers are optimistic about its potential. The ultra-thin generator, which can be integrated into electronics like smartwatches and headphones, marks a promising step toward self-charging devices that can store and use solar energy on demand, overcoming the intermittent nature of solar power.
The MOST system offers a groundbreaking approach to solar energy storage and generation. Unlike traditional solar panels, it can produce electricity regardless of weather, time of day, or geographical location, and without emitting carbon dioxide. The researchers are now focused on improving the system’s efficiency and making it cost-effective for commercial use. This technology could pave the way for solar-powered gadgets and home heating systems that operate continuously and sustainably.
Image: Chalmers University of Technology/Daniel Spacek
