Swedish Scientists Develop Liquid that Stores Solar Energy for 20 Years

Researchers have Created a Liquid that can Store Solar Energy for Up to 20 Years.

Researchers at Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology have developed an advanced energy system that stores solar energy in liquid form and generates electricity. This system, called the Molecular Solar Thermal (MOST) system, has been in development for over a decade. It uses specially designed molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

When exposed to sunlight, the molecule changes its shape, turning into an energy-rich isomer. This isomer can be stored in liquid form for up to 20 years, says Moth-Poulsen in the Chalmers press release,. The isomer quadricyclane can holds 250 watt-hours of energy per kilogram. The energy is released as heat when a cobalt-based catalyst triggers the molecule to return to its original state. A recent breakthrough now allows solar energy transportable as a liquid fuel and the produced heat to be converted into electricity.

Working with a team of scientists from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China, the Chalmers team has developed a compact thermoelectric generator. This device can convert stored solar energy into electrical power. While the system currently produces small amounts of electricity, researchers are optimistic about its potential.

The ultra-thin generator can be integrated into electronics like smartphone,  smartwatches and headphones. This marks a promising step toward self-charging devices that store and use solar energy on demand, addressing the issue of solar power’s intermittency.

The MOST system provides a significant advancement in solar energy storage and production. Unlike traditional solar panels, it generates electricity regardless of weather, time of day, or location, without emitting carbon dioxide.

Researchers are now focused on improving the system’s efficiency and making it cost-effective for commercial use. According to Kasper Moth-Poulsen (participant researcher), we have tested it for 125 cycles without noticing any significant degradation.

This technology could lead to solar-powered devices and home heating systems that operate continuously and sustainably, says MIT’s Jeffrey Grossman (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).

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