DNA-inspired molecule breaks records for storing solar heat

Heating represents almost half of the world's energy consumption, with fossil fuels like natural gas, oil, and coal providing two-thirds of that demand. Solar energy emerges as a viable alternative, yet despite advancements in storing solar electricity through lithium-ion batteries, effective heat storage remains a challenge. To retain heat for extended periods—days, weeks, or even months—it's essential to capture energy within a molecular bond that can later release heat on command. This innovative approach, known as molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy storage, has been on the horizon for decades but has struggled to gain traction. However, a groundbreaking study published in Science by a team from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and UCLA could finally change the game for MOST energy storage. Historically, these solutions have faced significant hurdles, including insufficient energy storage capacity, rapid degradation, and the use of toxic solvents that limit practicality. To tackle these challenges, the research team, headed by chemist Han P. Nguyen, drew inspiration from the genetic damage caused by sunburn. They aimed to develop a method for energy storage that mimics the biological reaction where ultraviolet light damages DNA. When exposed to prolonged UV rays, adjacent thymine bases in DNA can link together to form what is known as a (6-4) lesion. Further UV exposure can twist this structure into a complex shape called a ‘Dewar’ isomer. While this transformation can spell trouble in biological systems—leading to disruptions in DNA replication and potential mutations—evolution has produced a specific enzyme, photolyase, to rectify these lesions and return them to their stable forms. The findings from this research could pave the way for more effective and sustainable heat storage solutions, marking a significant step towards harnessing solar energy more efficiently.