Molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy storage and release system

A device for solar energy storage and release based on a reversible chemical reaction is demonstrated. A highly soluble derivative of a (fulvalene) diruthenium (FvRu(2)) system is synthesized, capable of storing solar energy (110 J g(-1)) in the form of chemical bonds and then releasing it on demand, when excited thermally or catalytically. A microfluidic device is designed and constructed for both the photo-harvesting and the heat-utilization steps, allowing for the recycling of material.