Azobenzene-based photothermal energy storage molecule, method for preparing the same and use thereof

Abstract

Provided is an azobenzene-based photothermal energy storage molecule represented by Formula I which contains two types of azobenzene unit: two biscarboxyl azobenzene units and one monoamino azobenzene unit. By utilizing the energy difference between the two configurations of the azobenzene units, energy is stored during the transition from trans to cis, and in reverse, energy is released. The carboxyl and amino groups on different azobenzene units can form strong intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonds, which leads to a great improvement in energy density and reversion half-life compared with the traditional azobenzene materials in which a single type of an azobenzene unit is grafted. Moreover, the release of thermal energy can be controlled by light and heating, which is beneficial to fully utilize the solar energy for photothermal energy conversion and storage, and used as a solar thermal fuel to the field of heating technology and new generation of light-driven spacecrafts.