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Title: Sunlight-energy-storing method

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6282040

This invention is a method for storing light energy using an indigo derivative. Among indigo derivatives capable of storing light energy by the photoisomerization of the molecule from the trans-form to the cis-form, compounds heretofore obtained have been soluble only in expensive solvents such as benzene, toluene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and the like and harmful substances. On the other hand, the indigo derivative of this invention has the form of a pyridinium salt, is soluble in water and/or ethanol, and permits employment of safe and inexpensive water and/or an alcohol as a solvent. The indigo derivative of this invention converted from the trans-form to the cis-form by irradiation with sunlight and storing sunlight energy liberates the aforesaid stored energy as heat on addition of a catalyst and/or a heat trigger.

Assignee:
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Patent Number(s):
US 4449516
OSTI ID:
6282040
Resource Relation:
Patent Priority Date: Priority date 25 Jan 1983, Japan; Other Information: PAT-APPL-460897
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English