CC BY 4.0Magson, LucienLucienMagsonHölzel, HelenHelenHölzelAslam, Adil S.Adil S.AslamHenninger, StefanStefanHenningerMunz, GuntherGuntherMunzMoth-Poulson, KasperKasperMoth-PoulsonKnäbbeler-Buß, MarkusMarkusKnäbbeler-BußFunes-Ardoiz, IgnacioIgnacioFunes-ArdoizSampedro, DiegoDiegoSampedro2024-03-122024-03-122024Note-ID: 0000A392Note-ID: 0000A77Ahttps://publica.fraunhofer.de/handle/publica/464024https://doi.org/10.24406/publica-277710.1021/acsami.3c1685510.24406/publica-2777Molecular solar thermal energy storage (MOST) systems are rapidly becoming a feasible alternative to energy storage and net-zero carbon emission heating. MOST systems involve a single photo-isomerization pair that incorporates light absorption, storage, and heat release processes in one recurring cycle. Despite significant recent advancements in the field, the catalytic back-reaction from MOST systems remains relatively unexplored. A wide range of applications is possible, contingent on the energy densities of the specific photoisomers. Here, we report platinum-, copper-, and nickel-based heterogeneous catalysts screened in batch conditions for the back-conversion reaction on the cyano-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-norbornadiene/quadricyclane pair. Catalyst reactivities are investigated using structural characterization, imaging techniques, and spectroscopic analysis. Finally, the thermal stability is also explored for our best-performing catalysts.enabundant metalsenergy storageheterogeneous catalystsisomerizationMOST systemsCatalyst layerLatent Heat Storagesolar thermal collectorjournal article