How sunburn inspired a new way to store energy
Molecules that can capture heat could be a useful technology to decarbonise heating.
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Notable Quotes
"When I actually saw the video and saw how quickly the entire solution was boiling, that was really remarkable."
— Grace Han , Academic
"I think our best systems were one megajoule [of energy per kilogram]. They had, I think, 1.6, which is really amazing."
— Kasper Moth-Poulsen , Academic
"her skin tingled more quickly after exposure to the sun."
— Grace Han , Academic
Key People
Grace Han is a chemistry professor who researches energy storage systems.
John Griffin is a researcher at Lancaster University with expertise in energy systems.
Kasper Moth-Poulsen leads research teams at the Polytechnic University of Barcelona.
Kendall Houk is a collaborator at the University of California, Los Angeles, known for his work in chemistry.
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All Coverage
Molecules that can capture heat could be a useful technology to decarbonise heating.
Molecules that can capture heat could be a useful technology to decarbonise heating.
Molecules that can capture heat could be a useful technology to decarbonise heating.
Researchers developed a melanin-inspired organic supercapacitor by 2025, adapting the pigment that prevents sunburn to store electrical energy. By using the redox-active properties of melanin, the technology replaces heavy metals with biocompatible polymers, targeting a shift in the production of wearable medical devices and sustainable electronics.
Chemist Grace Han has developed a molecular system inspired by DNA's response to sunlight, aiming to create a clean and efficient method of storing solar energy for extended periods.
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