Energy Storage in Molecules

Introduction

ESiM will create the scientific basis for a radically new technology addressing the pressing challenges of scalable clean energy storage. The ESiM strategy is to use the conformational degrees of freedom of organic molecules and to create dense molecular arrays of scalable dimensions on a surface to avoid the limits of battery technology based on ion flow and on environmentally harmful substances.

Objectives

ESiM will provide the proof of principle that storing energy in molecules is feasible, constructing laboratory devices and validating the scientific and technological basis for novel energy storage devices.

Interdisciplinary Achievements

ESiM will produce scientific and technological achievements well beyond the fields of the individual partners, involving:

• Chemistry
• Physics
• Simulation tools

The added value of our interdisciplinary approach will enable the development of methods and materials for efficient storage of energy in specific degrees of freedom of organic molecules on a supporting surface. This ultimately leads to an environmentally friendly, recyclable way of producing, storing, and using energy.

Methodology

Molecules will be designed and synthesized to:

1. Capture a possible deviation from the micro-reversibility principle.
2. Demonstrate energy pumping and storing in a few specific intramolecular mechanical degrees of freedom.

Then, 2D molecular layers will be developed to efficiently store this energy using electric fields and inelastic electrons as a second energy source.

Proof of Principle

As a proof of principle, ESiM will produce a device based on a bimetallic cantilever to store and release energy from the active molecules.

Industry Collaboration

ESiM will maintain close contact with industry via regular meetings (ESiM-Industry days) involving:

• Nanotechnology startups
• Energy providers
• High-tech SMEs

This collaboration will favor exchange and synergy towards the identification of innovative potential technology transfer.

Outreach

ESiM will use public talks, scientific workshops, and scientific publications to reach the broadest possible audience.