Anders Bo Skov, a student at the University of Copenhagen, has achieved a breakthrough in solar energy storage with the aid of his supervisor, Mogens Brondsted Nielsen. Together they have published the paper “Towards Solar Energy Storage in the Photochromic Dihydroazulene-Vinylheptafulvene System” in the journal “Chemistry - A European Journal.” The paper outlines Skov’s success in developing molecules capable of obtaining and holding large amounts of solar energy, storing it without loss, and releasing it on demand.
Anders Bo Skov, a student at the University of Copenhagen, has achieved a breakthrough in solar energy storage with the aid of his supervisor, Mogens Brondsted Nielsen. Together they have published the paper “Towards Solar Energy Storage in the Photochromic Dihydroazulene-Vinylheptafulvene System” in the journal “Chemistry - A European Journal.” The paper outlines Skov’s success in developing molecules capable of obtaining and holding large amounts of solar energy, storing it without loss, and releasing it on demand.
Previously, Bronsted’s team as part of the “Center for Exploitation of Solar Energy” at the University of Copenhagen had not been able to overcome a significant roadblock in the research - the more energy a molecule could hold, the less capable the molecule was to store it over time. In initial research, Brondsted highlights, ''Anders’ achievement was to double the energy density in a molecule that can hold its shape for a hundred years.' The Dihydroazulene-Vinylheptafulvene system of molecules with which the group was working could not maintain their “storage shape” over time and so would lose stored every with each passing minute. According the Bronsted, “Regardless of what we did to prevent it, the molecules would change their shape back and release the stored energy after just an hour or two.”
Skov’s improved molecule is capable of storing a significant amount of energy captured for long periods of time. Though both scientists admit that there is still a significant hurdle to overcome in releasing the energy, the breakthrough is just the beginning for the young student. Skov is excited about potential applications of his molecule in solar batteries. Not only will they improve make solar energy more appealing to consumers, but they are also completely non-toxic. When the molecules do eventually begin to degrade they do so into a natural coloring agent in Chamomile flowers. Additionally, the molecule releases no carbon dioxide during use. The molecule’s greatest competition come from the lithium battery which is toxic and is a resource which must be mined.
Skov intends to continue his research with the Center for Exploitation of Solar Energy throughout his graduate program.
Sources: University of Copenhagen
Source: University of Copenhagen
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