Crude oil has some amazing energy storage characteristics, such as a very high energy density of 45 mega-joules per kilogram as well as the ability to be moved from one place to another safely and conveniently by almost any means of transportation. Our challenge lies in understanding and developing new mechanisms and materials for storing energy safely. One example of our urgent need to develop “game-changers” in energy storage can be seen in the field of batteries.  If one were to apply a kind of “Moore’s Law for Batteries” we would see that the storage capacity doubles only every 60 years!

At present, our work on energy storage focuses on two types: materials for hydrogen storage and materials for direct sunlight-to-chemical storage.