Molecular solar thermal energy storage system based functional devices

The increasing global energy demand, coupled with the detrimental environmental effects of fossil fuel dependence, has made the development of alternative energy storage systems a critical priority. Among the various renewable energy technologies, solar energy emerges as a promising solution due to its abundance, inexhaustibility, and lack of greenhouse gas emissions during operation. However, efficient and reliable storage of solar energy remains a significant challenge. Molecular solar thermal energy storage (MOST) systems offer an innovative approach by capturing solar energy at the molecular level. MOST systems rely on organic photoswitchable molecules that store solar energy in chemical bonds, which can later be released as heat on-demand. These systems combine high energy density with long-term stability, making them a viable option for sustainable energy storage. This chapter delves into the design strategies and challenges associated with MOST-based functional devices, highlighting experimental insights and case studies that span from lab-scale demonstrations to potential upscaled applications. By emphasising intuitive MOST-based device designs and their integration with other existing technologies for hybrid applications, this exploration seeks to inspire advancements in the development of next-generation MOST systems.