Soluret

Soluret is a hypothetical solar-activated chemical energy storage system described in speculative literature and early-stage research discussions. It refers to materials and processes that absorb sunlight to drive reversible chemical reactions, storing energy in chemical bonds for later release.

The underlying concept relies on light-induced transformations that shift a material into a higher-energy state. When triggered by heat, a different wavelength of light, or a catalytic input, the stored energy is released, returning the material to its original state. In this framework, energy is stored and retrieved through chemical cycling rather than through purely physical storage like batteries.

Designs proposed for solurets span organic photochromic compounds, metal-organic frameworks with photoactive linkers, and polymer networks containing reversible photoactive units. Key design goals include broad visible-light absorption, high switching quantum yield, durable cycling stability, and minimal fatigue over many recharge-discharge cycles. Researchers emphasize tuning the energy density and the kinetics of both charging and discharging to suit specific applications.

Potential applications discussed in speculative contexts include building-scale thermal storage, off-grid energy systems, and on-demand chemical synthesis in photochemical reactors. The concept also envisions decoupling energy capture from immediate use, enabling daytime charging with nighttime energy delivery or asynchronous operation in modular systems.

Advantages attributed to solurets in theoretical discussions include high energy density and low standby losses. Reported challenges center on material stability, synthesis costs, environmental and safety considerations, and the absence of widespread, real-world demonstrations. Related topics cover molecular solar thermal energy storage (MOST), photochemical energy storage, and solid-state energy carriers.