Scientists Develop Organic Molecule for Long-Term Storage of Solar Energy
Researchers at the University of California have made a breakthrough in energy technology. They have developed a unique molecule that absorbs sunlight and "locks" it inside for years. The energy is released as heat exactly when a person needs it.
How the Molecular "Spring" Works
The new technology differs radically from conventional solar panels. Scientists used the possibilities of organic chemistry to create a molecule based on pyrimidone. It works on the principle of a mechanical spring. Under the influence of the sun, the molecule changes shape and enters a "strained" state. The energy is securely held in its chemical bonds for a long time. To release the heat, a small amount of heat or a catalyst is enough — then the molecule instantly "relaxes."
Power and Advantages of the Technology
The development, named Dewar pyrimidone, proved to be incredibly powerful. Its energy density is almost twice as high as that of lithium-ion batteries in our smartphones. During tests, the energy from one such molecule was enough to boil water without electricity. The main advantage is that the energy is not lost over time. This makes it an ideal "preserver" of sunlight.
The discovery solves the problem of weather dependence. In the future, such batteries could allow heating homes at night or warming water on camping trips without gas. Thanks to its light weight, the technology holds great promise for remote regions and even for space exploration. This is an important step towards an eco-friendly future where sunlight can literally be "put in your pocket."
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