Topic: Energy

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed a new material that can store solar energy and release it as heat whenever needed. This breakthrough could help solve the problem of storing solar power for use later.

Storing solar energy is a major challenge in renewable energy. One solution is to create a 'sun battery' that can store sunlight during the day and release it as heat at night. A team of scientists at UC Santa Barbara has made progress towards this goal by developing a new material that can absorb sunlight, store energy in chemical bonds, and later release it as heat whenever needed.

The material is based on a modified organic molecule called pyrimidone and represents a new step forward in Molecular Solar Thermal (MOST) energy storage technology. The team drew inspiration from DNA to design the molecule, which can reversibly change shape when exposed to ultraviolet light.

To better understand why the material remained stable while holding energy for long periods, the researchers partnered with UCLA distinguished research professor Ken Houk. Computational modeling helped explain how the material could retain stored energy for years without significant loss.

The new material also outperformed earlier generations of optical energy-storage switches. It stores more than 1.6 megajoules of energy per kilogram, which is impressive compared to a conventional lithium-ion battery that stores roughly 0.9 MJ/kg.

Why It Matters

This breakthrough could help India's rural areas where access to electricity is limited. Imagine having a 'sun battery' that can store solar energy during the day and provide heat at night for cooking or other needs.

Key Facts

• The material stores more than 1.6 megajoules of energy per kilogram, which is impressive compared to a conventional lithium-ion battery.
• The new material outperformed earlier generations of optical energy-storage switches.
• The team drew inspiration from DNA to design the molecule, which can reversibly change shape when exposed to ultraviolet light.

Key Terms

Molecular Solar Thermal (MOST)

A technology that stores solar energy in chemical bonds and releases it as heat whenever needed

Implications

This breakthrough could help India's rural areas where access to electricity is limited. Imagine having a 'sun battery' that can store solar energy during the day and provide heat at night for cooking or other needs.