FURI | Fall 2025

Long-term Thermal Energy Storage by Combining Thermochemical Reactions and Chemical Separation

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This research investigates how thermoreversible Diels–Alder reactions can be utilized to recover, store, and transport low-grade waste heat from power plants. By combining thermochemical reactions with chemical separation, this study enables long-term, stable heat storage in liquid form. Experimental analysis of maleic anhydride and 2-methylfuran evaluates energy density, efficiency, and stability across reaction cycles. The results could enable scalable thermal energy networks that repurpose waste heat for industrial and/or residential use, advancing sustainable energy infrastructure.

Student researcher

Aditya Sally

Mechanical engineering

Hometown: Amritsar, Punjab, India

Graduation date: Spring 2027