ESiM · Energy Storage in Molecules

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 ions flow and on environmentally harmful substances. 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. ESiM will produce scientific and technological achievements well beyond the fields of the individual partners, involving chemistry, physics, and simulation tools. The added value of our interdisciplinary approach will enable the development of methods and materials for an efficient storage of energy in specific degrees of freedom of organic molecules on a supporting surface, ultimately leading to an environmentally friendly, recyclable way of producing, storing, and using energy. Molecules will be designed and synthesized to first capture a possible deviation from the micro-reversibility principle and 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. As a proof of principle, ESiM will produce a device based on a bimetallic cantilever to store and release energy from the active molecules. ESiM will maintain close contact with industry via regular meetings (ESiM-Industry days) involving nanotechnology startups, energy providers and high-tech SMEs, to favour exchange and synergy towards the identification of innovative potential technology transfer. ESiM will use public talks, scientific workshops, and scientific publications to reach the broadest possible audience.