What is a molecular solar thermal energy storage system?

photoisomers are referred to as molecular solar thermal energy storage systems (MOST), also known as solar thermal fuels (STF). In this review, we introduce the functional principles and criteria of a general MOST system, then introduce to a broad audience three key candidates and show the efforts made so far to achieve recent advances in results.

How do molecular photoisomers store energy?

Storing energy with molecular photoisomers Some molecular photoisomers can be isomerized to a metastable high-energy state by exposure to light. These molecules can then be thermally or catalytically converted back to their initial state, releasing heat in the process.

What are molecular photoswitches?

Some molecular photoswitches can absorb and transform sunlight into chemical energy, available for later release in the form of heat without any emission. We define their common properties as an innovative molecular system that can store solar energy into chemical bond strain and later release it on demand.

What are photochemical phase transitions?

Photochemical phase transitions enable coharvesting of photon energy and ambient heat for energetic molecular solar thermal batteries that upgrade thermal energy. J.

How can a solar system absorb thermal energy from a photoisomerization?

An alternative strategy is to combine solar energy from photoisomerization with latent heat from phase transitions. Using this approach, MOST systems can also absorb thermal energy from the local environment in addition to the stored solar en- ergy.

Can photo-assisted rechargeable batteries be used to store solar energy?

The use of solar energy, an important green energy source, is extremely attractive for future energy storage. Recently, intensive efforts are dedicated to photo-assisted rechargeable battery devices as they can directly convert and store solar energy efficiently and thus provide a potential way to utilize sunlight on a large scale.