Integration and Application of Solar-Responsive Energy Storage Systems

Solar-responsive energy storage system (SRESS) that integrates solar-energy conversion and electrochemical-energy storage, is highly promising to advance renewable energy application due to its capability to directly and effectively store solar-energy into rechargeable batteries. The last decade has evidenced intensive progress on the integration of photoelectric conversion devices and secondary batteries, from an initially photo-driven system that simply connects state-of-the-art solar cells with storage devices, to a currently photo-assisted battery with photo-active electrodes utilizing solar energy to enhance redox kinetics in electrochemical batteries. Noting that integration methodology is of paramount importance to influence performance and applications of SRESS, systematically analyzing working mechanisms, device architectures, and performance metrics according to integration modes in SRESS is necessary, while there is currently a lack of review with such an intention. Therefore, the present work highlights the critical role of integration strategies in determining the energy conversion efficiency of SRESSs, by providing a comprehensive overview of development history, working principles, as well as the comparison of similarities and differences of these systems. The uncertain performance evaluation indicators are also classified to provide basic criteria for the evaluation of SRESSs. Finally, a forward-looking perspective and challenges, including but not limited to safety, efficiency, and stability of SRESSs by different integration approaches, are offered.