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—That stores sunlight as heat for later use
BeNewz Report
ISLAMABAD: Researchers in the United States have developed a new form of solar energy storage that could reduce reliance on conventional batteries by storing sunlight directly in molecular structures and releasing it later as heat, Oilprice.com reported.
A team at the University of California, Santa Barbara has created a “molecular solar thermal” system that captures solar energy in specially engineered organic molecules and releases it on demand. The breakthrough material, based on a modified compound known as pyrimidone, can absorb sunlight, store the energy in chemical bonds, and later discharge it as heat strong enough to boil water.
The research was led by Grace Han and her team, who describe the system as a “rechargeable solar battery.” Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, which store electricity, this system stores energy in molecular form and can potentially retain it for long periods with minimal loss.
Doctoral researcher Benjamin Baker said the demonstration of boiling water under ambient conditions marks a key milestone, highlighting the practical potential of the technology for off-grid heating applications such as household water heating and camping systems.
According to researchers, the material can achieve an energy density of around 1.6 megajoules per kilogram, surpassing some conventional lithium-ion storage estimates. The system also offers flexibility in design, with the potential for liquid-based circulation through solar collectors and storage tanks, enabling daytime charging and nighttime heat release.
Experts note that the innovation is part of a broader global effort to find alternatives to lithium-based storage, which faces challenges related to resource limitations and environmental impact. In parallel, researchers in China have also reported progress in low-cost energy storage, including an all-iron flow battery developed by scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, specifically the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The system uses abundant materials and a water-based electrolyte and has demonstrated long cycle life in laboratory testing.
Energy analysts say such developments could complement existing technologies overseen by agencies such as the U.S. Department of Energy, which continues to support both electrochemical and thermal storage solutions for renewable energy systems.
While still at an early stage, the molecular storage approach is being closely watched as a potential pathway to more durable and scalable solar energy storage, particularly for heating applications in off-grid and remote environments.
