Work

Solar thermal fuels: azobenzene as a cyclic photon–heat transduction platform

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Azobenzene-based solar thermal fuels have undergone significant advancements over the past four decades, emerging as a promising technology for light-to-thermal energy conversion. While these materials exhibit considerable development potential, critical challenges remain that hinder their practical implementation. In this perspective, we systematically analyze four representative azobenzene-based solar thermal fuel systems including nanocarbon-hybrid, conjugated polymer, linear polymer, and small-molecule derivative formulations to trace their developmental trajectories and identify key limitations. Through this comparative analysis, we aim to clarify the current state of azobenzene-based solar thermal fuels, while mapping strategic pathways for future technological advancements in this rapidly evolving research field.

Source: Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry

DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.21.159

Authors: Jie Yan, Shaodong Sun, Minghao Wang, Si Wu

Institutions: University of Science and Technology of China, China University of Petroleum, East China, Anhui University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Photochromic and Fluorescence Chemistry

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities