For decades, scientists have been trying to find an affordable and effective way to obtain, store and use solar energy. Researchers from Sweden say they have created a solution that allows you to use the energy of sunlight to heat almost everything, from homes to vehicles.

Engineers from Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg have developed a new method of energy storage and with the possibility of storing it up to 18 years. During the study, they obtained a liquid molecule consisting of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen. When sunlight enters, the molecule absorbs energy and stores it until the catalyst begins to release it in the form of heat.

The opening of a team of researchers led by professor of the Department of Chemistry Casper Mot-Pulsen has already earned recognition in the scientific world. In particular, Jeffrey Grossman, professor of materials science and engineering at MIT, who also develops energy storage molecules, called the work of his Swedish colleagues “decisive if we want this approach to storing energy to be massively applied.” Now the question is whether Mot-Pulsen can convince investors of the commercial effectiveness of the discovery.

The work of scientists to develop a special device that can save energy and last 5-10 times longer than lithium-ion batteries took about 10 years and $ 2.5 million. A feature of the technology is the ability to create a special transparent coating that can be applied to windows of houses, cars, or even clothing. Such material accumulates solar energy and generates heat, reducing the amount of electricity needed to heat rooms and reducing carbon emissions.

Mot-Poulsen covered the whole building on campus to demonstrate this technology. It remains unclear whether it is possible to obtain electricity using the new technology. Although researchers believe that such a potential exists, their efforts are focused on heating. According to scientists, a new battery based on “solar” molecules can appear on the market in at least six years, and coverage in three years if an additional $ 5 million is found for this purpose.

Mot-Pulsen has not yet decided to say what the full cost of the technology will be, but I am sure that it should be affordable. Its undoubted advantage is that it does not need rare or expensive elements.