Prof. Bettina Lotscht

Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research and University of Munich (LMU)

Abstract

Utilization and storage of intermittent energy resources such as wind or solar power is a cornerstone of a renewable energy infrastructure. To meet this challenge, new material concepts are vital. Using the light and dark reactions of natural photosynthesis as a blueprint, we have identified a new generation of “light storing” molecular materials that can both convert and store solar energy via trapping of light-induced charge carriers.

In this talk, we will discuss the potentially rich interface between solar energy harvesting, conversion and storage enabled by heptazine-based, ionic 2D carbon nitrides and related systems. We derive the optoionic processes underlying light storage and exemplify its utility by introducing the concepts of time-delayed, “dark” photocatalysis and direct solar batteries. We will further showcase light-driven microswimmers with photocapacitive properties, which build a bridge between energy converting and autonomous systems.