Solar–Thermal Fuels and the Role of Carbon Nanomaterials: A Perspective with Emphasis on the Azobenzene System

Molecular switches have long been investigated aiming at developing sustainable and renewable energy-based technologies. Among molecular photoswitches, azobenzene (AB) has the quintessential template for solar–thermal fuels (STFs), acting as “molecular batteries”, storing discharging energy by converting between its trans- cis-isomers upon absorption of UV light. Nevertheless, key properties device performance such stored energy, density, stability “charged” metastable isomer, or control release are highly influenced a mediating interface. This motivated study metal carbon nanomaterials templates in hybrid STFs. The latter shown to be especially promising owing their unique electronic properties, topological tailoring, abundant sourcing. review discusses recent advances that explore enhancements on several photoswitch systems, with special emphasis AB system, associated changes substituents development involving mainly nanotemplates, reduced graphene oxide, graphene, nanotubes, fullerenes. τ1/2, grafting charge transfer adsorbed system discussed. Key facets design STF devices discussed, along perspective aspects merit further investigation toward efficient