New liquid material harvests and stores energy by transforming into a gel
By
Laura Martín Agudelo
Summary
Engineers and materials scientists have developed a novel liquid material that can harvest and store energy from multiple sources (including light) by physically transforming into a gel. In this gel state, it acts like a battery, retaining energy for months and releasing it on demand when exposed to oxygen. Reported in Chem, this proof-of-concept research demonstrates a metal-free material capable of harvesting, storing, and using energy, inspired by how cells move and divide.
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Key quotes
· 4 pulledInspired by how cells move and divide, engineers and materials scientists have created a new liquid that can store energy it harvests from sources including light by physically reassembling into a gel.
In this jellylike state, the material acts a bit like a battery, retaining energy for months at a time that can then be released on demand when exposed to oxygen.
This proof-of-concept research hints at a future in which one single metal-free material can harvest, store, and use energy.
Substance's 'remarkable' behavior could lead to devices powered by energy-rich gels
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