U.S. scientists make breakthrough in storing solar energy

U.S. scientists have developed a material that can store solar energy in chemical form and release it on demand.

The new technology may overcome one of the greatest obstacles of harnessing solar energy, or intermittent sunlight.

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University discovered that azobenzene, a type of photoswitching molecules, can absorb and store the sun's energy. It changes into a different shape during this process.

When exposed to a small amount of heat, light or electricity, these molecules will resume its initial shape, liberating the stored energy.

The material presents an environmentally friendly alternative because nothing is consumed or burned during the process. Hence, there will be no emissions.

To generate sufficient heat, the molecules have to be packed very closely. The team attempted to attach the molecules to a single carbon nanotube, but the results were far from satisfactory. Scientists later realized the problem can be resolved if multiple nanotubes are packed closer together.

Azobenzene will not be efficient at producing electricity, but can be employed for heat-related uses, such as cooking.

Scientists envision that the materials will be used in liquid form, providing an efficient and safe alternative to using firewood for cooking in developing countries.

----------------------------------------­­---------------------------------------­-­----------------

Next Animation Studio’s News Direct service provides daily, high-quality, informative 3D news animations that fill in for missing footage and help viewers understand breaking news stories or in-depth features on science, technology, and health.

To subscribe to News Direct or for more info, please visit: