How sunburn inspired a new way to store energy

May 8, 2026 - 04:49

A team of researchers has drawn inspiration from an unlikely source -- the sunburn -- to develop a new method for capturing and storing heat. The technology relies on specially designed molecules that can absorb solar energy and hold it for extended periods, releasing it only when triggered. This approach, known as molecular solar thermal energy storage, aims to address one of the biggest challenges in renewable energy: storing heat for later use without relying on batteries or bulky infrastructure.

The idea came from observing how certain molecules in the skin react to ultraviolet light, causing damage and inflammation. Instead of focusing on the harmful effects, the scientists looked at the underlying principle: molecules that change shape when hit by sunlight, trapping energy in their new structure. By engineering stable, non-toxic versions of these molecules, they created a system that can store heat for months at room temperature. When a small amount of heat or a catalyst is applied, the molecules snap back to their original form, releasing the stored energy as usable warmth.

This technology could be a game-changer for decarbonising heating, which accounts for a large portion of global energy use. Unlike electric batteries, which lose charge over time, these molecular systems can hold energy indefinitely. They could be used to heat homes in winter using summer sunlight, or to provide industrial process heat without burning fossil fuels. The researchers are now working on scaling up the materials and integrating them into practical systems, though challenges remain in improving efficiency and cost. If successful, this sunburn-inspired innovation might one day help keep buildings warm without warming the planet.