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A Water Soluble and Solid-State Molecular Solar Thermal (MOST) System as Renewable Solar Fuel
Sara Hernáez-Troya1, Nil Sanosa1, Alberto Giménez-Gómez1
1Department of Chemistry, Instituto de Investigación Química de la Universidad de La Rioja (IQUR), Universidad de La Rioja, C/Madre de Dios 53, Logroño, 26004, Spain.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|September 1, 2025
Summary
Molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy storage offers a sustainable solution for sunlight
Area of Science:
- Sustainable energy solutions
- Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Solar energy is intermittent, necessitating efficient storage solutions.
- Molecular Solar Thermal (MOST) energy storage utilizes reversible molecular systems.
- Existing MOST systems face limitations in concentration and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sustainable molecular solar thermal energy storage system.
- To achieve high concentrations in neutral water solutions and solid-state MOST.
- To evaluate the stability, energy release, and recyclability of the MOST system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized norbornadiene-quadricyclane pairs for MOST energy storage.
- Achieved photochemical preparation of high-energy isomers in concentrated solutions.
- Investigated storage stability, catalyzed back-conversion, and heat release.
- Assessed system performance in both aqueous solutions and solid state.
Main Results:
- Successfully prepared high-energy isomers in 1.64 M neutral water solutions.
- Demonstrated storage stability of up to 1.9 years for the best compound.
- Achieved up to 3 M concentration in water solutions and stability in solid state.
- Observed efficient heat release (ΔT of 39.6 K) and material recovery with high fatigue resistance.
- Exhibited macroscopic heat release in both solution and solid states.
Conclusions:
- Developed a highly concentrated and stable molecular solar thermal energy storage system.
- Demonstrated practical applicability of MOST technology in aqueous solutions and solid state.
- Highlighted the potential for efficient and recyclable solar energy storage using norbornadiene-quadricyclane pairs.
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