tech

February 17, 2026

A fluid can store solar energy and then release it as heat months later

Sunlight can cause a molecule to change structure, and then release heat later.

A fluid can store solar energy and then release it as heat months later

TL;DR

  • Heating accounts for nearly half of global energy demand, with fossil fuels dominating supply.
  • Molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy storage aims to store heat in molecular bonds.
  • Researchers developed a DNA-inspired pyrimidone molecule that stores energy by forming a Dewar isomer under sunlight.
  • This rechargeable fuel has an energy storage density of 1.65 MJ/kg, nearly double that of Li-ion batteries.
  • The molecule is a liquid at room temperature, eliminating the need for energy-diluting solvents.
  • Challenges remain, including limited light absorption spectrum (UV-A and UV-B only) and a low quantum yield.
  • The molecule's Dewar isomers are highly stable, with a calculated half-life of up to 481 days at room temperature.
  • The system is compatible with aqueous environments and demonstrated intense enough energy release to boil water.

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