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 6950-6958Subject Categories
Materials Chemistry
Other Physics Topics
Condensed Matter Physics
DOI
10.1039/d2sc01873j