A rechargeable molecular solar thermal system below 0 °C
Journal article, 2022

An optimal temperature is crucial for a broad range of applications, from chemical transformations, electronics, and human comfort, to energy production and our whole planet. Photochemical molecular thermal energy storage systems coupled with phase change behavior (MOST-PCMs) offer unique opportunities to capture energy and regulate temperature. Here, we demonstrate how a series of visible-light-responsive azopyrazoles couple MOST and PCMs to provide energy capture and release below 0 degrees C. The system is charged by blue light at -1 degrees C, and discharges energy in the form of heat under green light irradiation. High energy density (0.25 MJ kg(-1)) is realized through co-harvesting visible-light energy and thermal energy from the environment through phase transitions. Coatings on glass with photo-controlled transparency are prepared as a demonstration of thermal regulation. The temperature difference between the coatings and the ice cold surroundings is up to 22.7 degrees C during the discharging process. This study illustrates molecular design principles that pave the way for MOST-PCMs that can store natural sunlight energy and ambient heat over a wide temperature range.

Author

Zhichun Shangguan

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Wenjin Sun

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Zhao-Yang Zhang

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Dong Fang

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Zhihang Wang

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Si Wu

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Chao Deng

Wenzhou University

Xianhui Huang

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Yixin He

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Ruzhu Wang

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Tingxian Li

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Kasper Moth-Poulsen

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Institute of Material Science of Barcelona (ICMAB)

Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies

Tao Li

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Chemical Science

2041-6520 (ISSN) 2041-6539 (eISSN)

Vol. 13 23 6950-6958

Subject Categories

Materials Chemistry

Other Physics Topics

Condensed Matter Physics

DOI

10.1039/d2sc01873j

More information

Latest update

3/7/2024 9