Chip-scale solar thermal electrical power generation

There is an urgent need for alternative compact technologies that can derive and store energy from the sun, especially the large amount of solar heat that is not effectively used for power generation. Here, we report a combination of solution- and neat-film-based molecular solar thermal (MOST) systems, where solar energy can be stored as chemical energy and released as heat, with microfabricated thermoelectric generators to produce electricitywhen solar radiation is not available. The photophysical properties of twoMOST couples are characterized both in liquid with a catalytical cycling setup and in a phase-interconvertible neat film. Their suitable photophysical properties let us combine them individually with a microelectromechanical ultrathin thermoelectric chip to use the stored solar energy for electrical power generation. The generator can produce, as a proof of concept, a power output of up to 0.1 nW (power output per unit volume up to 1.3 W m(-3)). Our results demonstrate that such a molecular thermal power generation system has a high potential to store and transfer solar power into electricity and is thus potentially independent of geographical restrictions.

Automated summary

There is a need for compact technologies that can effectively use solar heat for power generation. The molecular solar thermal (MOST) system described here combines solution- and neat-film-based approaches to store solar energy as chemical energy and release it as heat, while also utilizing microfabricated thermoelectric generators to produce electricity when solar radiation is not available. The results demonstrate the high potential of this system to store and transfer solar power into electricity, independent of geographical restrictions.