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From Sunlight to Heat on Demand: Azo-Switches for Efficient and Robust Molecular Solar Thermal Fiber

Objective

Molecular solar thermal (MOST) materials, capable of harvesting solar energy and releasing it as heat on demand, hold great potential for personal thermal management (PTM), especially in wearable fabrics. However, creating MOST fabrics that can efficiently capture natural sunlight, achieve high energy-storage capacity, and maintain long-term stability remains challenging due to the narrow absorption range, low energy density, and leakage risks of current materials. This project aims to establish a zero-emission, wearable MOST energy storage platform for PTM. Its overarching goal is to design, synthesize, and demonstrate a new generation of robust azobenzene-based photoswitches and fiber-integrated devices capable of capturing natural sunlight, storing thermal energy for extended periods, and releasing it controllably on demand.
To achieve this, WP1 focuses on the molecular design and synthesis of sunlight-responsive photoswitches with enhanced visible-light absorption and improved thermal stability. WP2 develops phase-change energy storage strategies through hydrogen-bond engineering and molecular packing optimization to maximize energy density, with encapsulation ensuring durability and leak prevention. WP3 integrates optimized materials into coaxial fibers with near-infrared absorbers for broad-spectrum solar harvesting and scalable device fabrication. Supporting activities include WP4 on training and skills development, WP5 on knowledge dissemination and exploitation, and WP6 on public engagement.
MOSTF will push the boundaries of current technology by broadening solar spectral coverage, achieving >0.4 MJ/kg energy storage densities, and delivering wearable fiber-based devices capable of 1,000+ stable charge–release cycles. The project directly supports the Horizon Europe Work Programme on sustainable energy, advanced materials, and innovation, contributing to UN SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF

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Coordinator

THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 276 187,92
Address
WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom

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Region
South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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