tech
How sunburn inspired a new way to store energy
When chemistry professor Gracee Han first visited Southern California from Boston a few years ago, she noticed a difference. Her skin would sting with the first signs of irritation after just a few hours outside.
TL;DR
- Professor Gracee Han was inspired by how DNA molecules in sunburnt skin change shape to develop a new energy storage system.
- The system, called molecular solar thermal (MOST) storage, uses molecules that store energy when exposed to light and release it as heat.
- This MOST system has a high energy density, exceeding that of lithium-ion batteries.
- Potential applications include decarbonizing heating and providing localized energy storage.
- Current limitations include the need for specific UV light wavelengths and the use of corrosive chemicals for energy release, but research is ongoing to address these issues.
- Solid-state versions of MOST technology are being explored for applications like transparent window coatings.