UC Santa Barbara researchers develop liquid battery material that stores solar energy as heat for years
By
ndr42
Toasted to a respectable shade. No regrets, no crumbs left.
Summary
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara, led by Associate Professor Grace Han, have developed a novel material that absorbs sunlight, stores the energy in chemical bonds, and releases it as heat on demand. Published in the journal Science, this "rechargeable solar battery" uses molecular changes inspired by DNA and photochromic sunglasses to store solar energy without bulky batteries or grid reliance. The material can hold energy for years and packs more energy per kilogram than lithium-ion batteries, offering a potential solution to solar power's intermittency challenge.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledResearchers at UC Santa Barbara believe they may have found an answer that avoids the need for massive battery systems or reliance on the electrical grid.
Writing in the journal Science, Associate Professor Grace Han and her research team describe a new material capable of absorbing sunlight, storing that energy in chemical bonds, and later releasing it as heat whenever needed.
The molecule can hold energy for years and packs more energy per kilogram than lithium-ion batteries.
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