Subscribe now

Technology

Device that stores liquid sunshine could one day power your phone

A system for trapping sunlight as thermal energy within molecules and then converting it to electricity could be a portable replacement for batteries

By Rachel Parsons

13 May 2022

Liquid

This liquid can store sunshine

Chalmers University of Technology

A rechargeable device that stores thermal energy from the sun in a liquid or solid form and converts it to electricity when needed could one day be used to power your smartphone and eliminate the need for batteries.

Kasper Moth-Poulsen at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, and his colleagues have designed a substance consisting of molecules made up of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen that is capable of storing solar energy for months or even years.

The molecules change shape when hit by light from…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account