System and method using photochemical oxygen storage and release

A method, comprising:

• exposing a first mixture comprising a polycyclic aromatic compound and a photosensitizer to a first portion of oxygen gas and light to form a second mixture comprising an endoperoxide, wherein exposing the first mixture comprises one of options A, B, or C
• A) exposing the first mixture at a first temperature to form the second mixture, the first temperature being selected to substantially prevent the endoperoxide from decomposing;
• raising a temperature of the second mixture to a second temperature higher than the first temperature and/or stopping irradiation to facilitate decomposition of the endoperoxide to form a regenerated polycyclic aromatic compound and release oxygen;
• and
• mixing the released oxygen with an air stream to form an oxygen enriched air stream;
• B) exposing the first mixture in an enclosed space having a first volume to form the endoperoxide by a reaction between the polycyclic aromatic compound and the oxygen gas, thereby changing a volume of the enclosed space to a second volume that is less than the first volume;
• and
• stopping irradiation by the light to regenerate the polycyclic aromatic compound, and release at least a portion of the oxygen gas into the enclosed space thereby changing the volume of the enclosed space to a third volume that is substantially the same as the first volume;
• or
• C) exposing the first mixture in an enclosed space having a first pressure to form the endoperoxide by a reaction between the polycyclic aromatic compound and the oxygen gas, thereby changing a pressure in the enclosed space to a second pressure that is less than the first pressure;
• and
• stopping irradiation by the light to regenerate the polycyclic aromatic compound, and release at least a portion of the oxygen gas into the enclosed space thereby changing the pressure of the enclosed space to a third pressure that is substantially the same as the first pressure.