The MOST project will target tangible objectives that are categorised into 5 technical objectives (TOs) and 3 non-technical objectives (NTOs). In the following, we have briefly summarised the work carried out during the reporting period towards the achievement of each listed objective.
TO1: Integration of the materials into functional devices with a solar collector of appr. 0.5 m2 enabling combined MOST and Solar Thermal Energy Capture.
Work done: Stage 1a of the device work has been designed and produced. First generation molecular systems are produced and being tested. A simulation framework is developed. and the 0.5 m2 device has been tested under real solar conditions. Related to TO1, WP3-5.
TO2: Develop MOST devices for solar energy capture, storage and release with thermal output in the 90-160ºC range.
Work done: Stage 1b of the device work has been designed and produced. First generation molecular systems are produced and being tested. Catalyst systems are being tested and functionally verified. A simulation framework is developed. Initial tests of the device has been done. Related to TO2, WP3-5.
TO3: Systems operation at >1000 energy storage cycles with the possibility to store energy for years with no insulation material.
Work done: Molecular systems are being tested under realistic operation conditions in order to understand how they work, and when/how they start degrading. Tests are ongoing, both for the solar energy storage and the catalysed back conversion. These insights will lead to design of robust systems for multiple cycle operation. The goal of 1000 cycles has been reached using simulated sunlight and thermal back conversions. Related to WP2,3,5, Milestones 3,6-8 & Deliverables D2.1-3 D3.3-4 D5.5.
TO4: Efficiency: Develop Molecular photo-switches capable of storing more than 8% of incoming sunlight.
Work done: A theoretical assessment of a library of nearly 500000 compounds have been carried out. A theoretical framework on how to reach the >8% capture efficiency has been established and published. Molecular synthesis and testing of new molecular compounds have been done.
Related to WP5 Milestones 3,6-8 & Deliverables 5.1 5.5.
TO5: Scalable and Green Materials production.
Work done: A scalable flow chemistry route for two key synthetic steps has been established and published in a scientific journal. This semi-automated system is currently being used to deliver materials for testing in the consortium. More than 100 g of the most promising MOST systems has been prepared.
Related to WP5, Milestone 3 & Deliverables 5.1-5.
NTO1 Reaching an agreed and financed development processes for the next TRL level beyond the project as well as a commercialisation strategy to attain market impact.
Work done: The project partners have organized workshops to identify and asses IP and possible future IP. The partners have ongoing dialogue with relevant industrial partners. Funding for continued work on MOST systems has been secured.
Related to WP7, Milestones 1, 2, 5, 9 & D7.1-4.
NTO2 Self-sustaining breakthrough zero-emissions energy generation capacity development and support.
Work done: An international symposium related to the MOST project has been organized, attracting more than 153 participants from Europe and rest of world (online). Related to WP6, Milestones 2,5 & Deliverables 6.3.
NTO-3 Wider Stakeholder Engagement reaching +1000 million individuals.
The project has established homepage, and social media accounts. The partners are actively engaged in outreach. Interviews about the project has been given to international media. Related to WP6 & Milestone 4.
