Molecular Management of Solar Energy - Chemistry of MOST Systems

01/09/2023 to 31/08/2027

The storage of solar energy in form of chemical energy in metastable isomers and its controlled release are the central aspects of the MOST technology. Within this project 1,2-dihydro-1,2-azaborines, the boron-nitrogen analogues of benzene (BNB), and their metastable Dewar isomers (BND) are investigated as harvesting and storage forms of solar energy. These compounds combine high energy content and long lifetime, but the overlap with the solar spectrum requires additional optimization.
The major goal of the project is gaining understanding of the fundamental properties of the BNB/BND pair depending on parameters such as substituents, functional groups, and solvent. Based on this knowledge, we aim for developing BNB/BND systems with high storage energy densities, adjustable storage times, and absorption of sunlight.
Within the project we will develop synthetic strategies for the efficient access of central synthetic intermediates in larger scale using flow chemistry techniques (work package 1). These central intermediates will be transferred into the target molecules in the other work packages, also by development of catalytic methods for functionalization in cooperation within FOR MOST. The fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationship governing the photochemically induced energy storage and the subsequent energy release will be developed in work package 2. The knowledge gained will guide us towards novel materials with high energy storage density, adjustable lifetime of the storage state (work package 3), and optimized match with the solar spectrum.
Within FOR MOST the close intertwining of the project with partner projects will substantially contribute towards the better understanding of a novel molecular energy storage system and allow development of materials for future technology platforms.