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Instruments / Technical Area	Publication Details	Published	Actions
I22-Small angle scattering & Diffraction	Functionalized azobenzenes for micellar solar thermal energy storage as a next-generation MOST system Rui Huang , Alex S. Loch , Andrew J. Smith , Annela Seddon , Zhihang Wang , Dave J. Adams , Alice Pincham Communications Chemistry 8 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-025-01750-5 Diamond Proposal Number(s): [37889] Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: Despite being the most abundant sustainable energy resource, solar energy still faces major challenges in efficient capture and long-term storage. Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage (MOST) systems address this issue by employing photoswitchable molecules that absorb sunlight and store energy through reversible isomerization, cyclization or other intramolecular rearrangements. Azobenzenes are attractive due to their well-characterized photoresponsive behavior; however, conventional systems are hindered by low energy density, limited energy storage duration, and a reliance on organic solvents. Here, we present the Micellar Solar Thermal Energy Storage system (MIST) approach based on micellar aggregates that operate effectively across aqueous dispersions and gel states. These systems exhibit progressively enhanced energy storage lifetimes with increasing degrees of self-assembly, while delivering competitive energy densities. The thermal stability arises from restricted molecular mobility within the self-assembled structures and is enhanced on gelation, extending the calculated thermal half-life of the cis isomer from 148 days in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), to 233 days in water, and to 12.8 years in the gel state. Compared to previous azobenzene-based MOST systems, our MIST approach offers significantly extended energy storage durations and improved material processability, including water-compatible formulations and, macroscopic heat release in the gel state (up to 5.7 °C).	Nov 2025
labSAXS-Offline SAXS and Sample Environment Development	Charge screening wormlike micelles affects extensional relaxation time and noodle formation Rui Huang , Daniel Mcdowall , Henry Ng , Lisa Thomson , Youssra K. Al-Hilaly , James Doutch , Sam Burholt , Louise C. Serpell , Robert J. Poole , Dave J. Adams Chemical Communications 9 DOI: 10.1039/D2CC03646K Open Access Show Abstract ▼ Abstract: A functionalised dipeptide that self-assembles to form wormlike micelles at high pH can be treated as a surfactant. By varying salt concentration, the self-assembled structures and interactions between them change, resulting in solutions with very different shear and extensional viscosity. From these, gel noodles with different mechanical properties can be prepared.	Aug 2022

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I22-Small angle scattering & Diffraction

Functionalized azobenzenes for micellar solar thermal energy storage as a next-generation MOST system

Rui Huang , Alex S. Loch , Andrew J. Smith , Annela Seddon , Zhihang Wang , Dave J. Adams , Alice Pincham

Communications Chemistry 8

DOI: 10.1038/s42004-025-01750-5

Diamond Proposal Number(s): [37889]