Storing solar energy chemically

[lady_*nix]

This is interesting:

https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/sc ... ncna930676

TL;DR researchers are using an unstable compound and its more stable isomer to store solar power, and release it as heat on exposure to a catalyst. Might as well mention that the unstable isomer, quadricyclane, has been used already in solid rocket propellants.

(Makes me wonder what other excited/unstable molecules might work for this.)

[geonuc]

Apparently one of the potential applications is windshield de-icing. BMW is funding research in that area.

http://news.mit.edu/2016/store-solar-heat-0107