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Surprising breakthrough in solar energy! New molecule stores energy for months, creating a revolutionary solution that enables energy use at night and during winter

Written by Deborah Araújo
Published 10/12/2024 às 09:05
Surprising breakthrough in solar energy! New molecule stores energy for months, creating a revolutionary solution that enables energy use at night and during winter
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    New technology transforms solar energy: innovative molecule stores energy for months, revolutionizing the market and promising a sustainable future with clean and efficient solutions for the entire world!

    Have you ever imagined capturing sunlight in the summer and using it to heat your home throughout the winter? This idea, which sounds like something out of a science fiction film, is becoming a reality thanks to a new technology developed by German scientists. The star of this innovation is a molecule that stores solar energy for long periods and releases it as heat whenever needed. This discovery could completely change the way we use solar energy, offering a practical and efficient solution to reduce heating costs and help in the fight against climate change.

    What is the energy storage molecule?

    The molecule, developed by a team of scientists in Germany, is able to capture the sun’s energy and store it in its chemical bonds. When needed, this energy can be “unlocked” and released as heat. The most incredible thing is that the molecule can retain this energy for months, offering a revolutionary solution for heating during the winter.

    According to the International Energy Agency, around half of the world's energy consumption goes to heating. This means that solutions like this have the potential to transform a sector that, until now, has been heavily dependent on fossil fuels, known for their high pollution.

    How does this new technology work?

    This innovation builds on previous research on molecules called photosensitizers, which capture energy from light. Previously, these molecules could only harness a small portion of sunlight, especially ultraviolet light. But scientists have gone a step further.

    By adding a “sensitizing” compound, which works in a similar way to chlorophyll in plants, they were able to significantly increase the amount of energy captured and stored. The result was an increase in more than 10 times the molecule's energy storage capacity.

    The system is extremely efficient: virtually every light particle that hits the molecule is converted into stored chemical energy. “Not only have we managed to push the limit of light harvesting substantially, but we have also improved the efficiency of converting light into stored chemical energy.”, explained Till Zähringer, one of the researchers involved in the project.

    The benefits for homes and businesses

    Imagine reducing your winter heating bills by simply storing the sunlight you captured during the summer. That’s exactly what this molecule promises to do. In addition to being financially advantageous, this technology could significantly reduce pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels like coal and natural gas. The advantages are clear:

    • Sustainability: reduction in greenhouse gas emissions;
    • Economy: cuts in energy bills;
    • Cheers: improving air quality by reducing pollution.

    This technology can be used on a larger scale, benefiting businesses that rely on continuous heating, such as factories and commercial buildings.

    Solar energy that works even in winter

    Solar panels are already a popular solution for generating electricity, but they are not ideal for heating, especially during the winter when sunlight is less intense. The energy-storing molecule solves this problem, allowing the energy captured in the summer to be used during the colder months.

    The system has also been shown to be capable of undergoing multiple charge and discharge cycles, which is essential for its practical application in the real world. This means that the technology not only works in the lab, but has the potential to become a viable solution in everyday life.

    A cleaner future with solar energy

    Although research is still in its early stages, the impact of this technology could be huge. As development and scalability advance, solar energy could become an even more comprehensive solution, meeting one of the world’s greatest energy demands: heating.

    The possibility of storing solar energy for long periods opens the door to new applications. Imagine entire communities using this molecule to heat homes, schools and hospitals, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting a healthier environment.

    Challenges and next steps

    Like all innovations, this technology still faces challenges, especially in large-scale production. Manufacturing and the cost of developing these molecules in sufficient quantities to meet large demands are issues that need to be resolved before the solution reaches the market.

    But with scientific advances becoming more rapid, we are likely to see this technology available in the near future, revolutionizing the way we use information. solar energy and bringing significant benefits to the planet and our finances.

    The discovery of this new technology based on molecules that store solar energy for months is an important milestone in the search for sustainable solutions. By offering an efficient way to capture and store energy for heating, it not only promises to reduce costs, but also helps protect the environment.

    Whereas solar energy was once limited by the time of day and the intensity of the sun, it can now operate 24/7 thanks to this innovative molecule. It’s the kind of breakthrough that makes us believe that the future of clean energy is closer than ever.

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    Severino do Nascimento Borges
    Severino do Nascimento Borges
    15/12/2024 06:56

    This information just makes your mouth water and never leaves the paper.

    Mary of Lourdes Cutalo
    Mary of Lourdes Cutalo
    15/12/2024 08:19

    What is the contact information for the researchers? Which university in Germany are they affiliated with? It will help me a lot. Thanks for my doctoral thesis.

    Deborah Araújo

    I write about renewable energy, automobiles, science and technology, industry and the main trends in the job market. With a close eye on global developments and daily updates, I am dedicated to always sharing relevant information.

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