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Updated: Nov 10, 2025

Asymmetric Thermoelectrochemical Cell for Harvesting Low-grade Heat under Isothermal Operation
Published on: February 5, 2020
A Low-Temperature Heat Output Photoactive Material-Based High-Performance Thermal Energy Storage Closed System
Xiangyu Yang1,2, Shijie Li2, Jin Zhang2
1College of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Yingze West Street, Taiyuan 030024, China.
Researchers developed a new photothermal material, AzoF-rGO, by combining trifluoromethylated azobenzene with reduced graphene oxide. This material demonstrates superior heat storage and release capabilities, offering a promising solution for efficient photothermal energy applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
- Photothermal Conversion
Background:
- Photothermal conversion materials face challenges in storage capacity, long-term stability, and low-temperature energy output.
- Developing advanced materials is crucial for efficient solar energy utilization and thermal management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and synthesize a novel photothermal conversion material with enhanced energy storage and low-temperature output.
- To investigate the properties and performance of the synthesized material for practical photothermal storage applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesizing a composite material by attaching trifluoromethylated azobenzene (AzoF) to reduced graphene oxide (rGO).
- Characterizing the material's photothermal conversion efficiency, heat storage density, power density, and long-term stability.
- Evaluating the material's low-temperature energy output capability and cycling stability within a closed system.
Main Results:
- The AzoF-rGO composite exhibited high heat storage density (386.1 kJ·kg-1) and power density (890.6 W·kg-1).
- The material demonstrated a long half-life of 87.7 h, attributed to H-bonds and high attachment density.
- Excellent cycling stability and reversible photothermal conversion at low temperatures were achieved.
Conclusions:
- The novel AzoF-rGO complex shows remarkable energy storage performance and longevity.
- The material's ability to release heat at low temperatures indicates significant potential for practical photothermal storage applications.
- This advancement addresses key challenges in photothermal storage, paving the way for broader adoption.
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