The Storage of Solar Energy in Small Rings
Abstract
Criteria for and results concerning the use of organic materials in the photochemical conversion of solar energy are summarized. Target molecules are shown to generally undergo endoergic valence isomerization upon irradiation with near ultraviolet and visible light (300 - 500 nm). Photoisomers are kinetically stable but revert to starting materials under thermal activation with or without a catalyst. Considerable variation is found in the quantum efficiencies, light absorption properties, and ease of retrieval of stored energy for several valence isomeric pairs. In selected systems 5 - 10% of absorbed photon energy is stored as chemical potential energy. Using emission and kinetics data for the isomerization systems, an evaluation of mechanism for energy storing photoreactions is presented. A useful generalization obtains: Quantum efficiencies for reactions which store photon (radiant) energy in relatively stable products will be determined by the chemistry of intermediates formed after the absorption of light. Emphasis on this feature in the design of new and more efficient systems is called for. Other developments related to the study of organic isomerization systems are noted, including their application as photorefractive holographic materials to be used in optical memory devices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA103411
Entities
People
- Guilford Jones Ii
Organizations
- Boston University