A team from the University of California Santa Barbara has developed a molecule capable of capturing solar energy, storing it for hours, and later releasing it as heat.
The discovery, published in Science, could transform the way renewable energy is harnessed, overcoming one of the main limitations of solar energy: its availability only during the day.
The operating principle
The modified molecule, called pyrimidone, belongs to the research line known as molecular solar thermal storage (MOST).
- When it receives solar radiation, the molecule changes configuration and stores the energy in its chemical bonds.
- This “charged” state can remain stable for hours.
- Upon receiving a stimulus (heat or catalyst), the molecule returns to its original form and releases the accumulated energy as heat.
This process is reversible and reusable, meaning the molecule can be charged and discharged multiple times without degrading.
Inspiration from nature
The researchers were inspired by processes present in DNA, whose components react to ultraviolet radiation by temporarily changing shape.
With computational models developed alongside chemist Ken Houk, they optimized the molecular transformation to capture solar energy more efficiently.
Energy potential
The material reaches an energy density of 1.6 megajoules per kilogram, higher than many lithium-ion batteries. In laboratory tests, the released heat was sufficient to boil water under ambient conditions, demonstrating its practical applicability.
Scientists compare its behavior to a mechanical spring: sunlight “compresses” it and leaves it charged with energy, which is released when the molecule returns to its original state.
Possible applications
- Domestic heating: the material could be integrated into systems to heat water or environments.
- Urban solar collectors: when dissolved in water, it could circulate through installations on building roofs, storing energy during the day and releasing it at night.
- Energy economy: its use could reduce dependence on electric batteries and fossil fuels.
Implications for the energy transition
If future research confirms its stability and efficiency on a large scale, this technology could become a disruptive alternative for solar energy storage. Instead of relying exclusively on batteries, the energy future could depend on molecules designed to capture and release energy on demand.
The creation of this molecule marks a decisive step towards a more sustainable energy model. By allowing solar energy to be stored in chemical bonds and released as heat when needed, it opens up new possibilities for decarbonization and technological innovation in renewable energies.
