Cutting carbon emissions on the US power grid

An online model enables users to calculate the least-cost strategy for a specific regional grid under various assumptions; outcomes vary widely from region to region.

Nancy W. Stauffer | MIT Energy Initiative • mit
March 11, 2024 ~21 min

Combining two types of molecular boron nitride could create a hybrid material used in faster, more powerful electronics

Two forms of the same boron nitride molecules couldn’t look and act more different – but combining them could lead to applications that have the best of both worlds.

Abhijit Biswas, Research Scientist in Materials Science and Nanoengineering, Rice University • conversation
Jan. 24, 2024 ~7 min


Cobalt-free batteries could power cars of the future

MIT chemists developed a battery cathode based on organic materials, which could reduce the EV industry’s reliance on scarce metals.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
Jan. 18, 2024 ~7 min

Study reveals a reaction at the heart of many renewable energy technologies

New insights into how proton-coupled electron transfers occur at an electrode could help researchers design more efficient fuel cells and electrolyzers.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
Jan. 16, 2024 ~7 min

What is a virtual power plant? An energy expert explains

Some power plants don’t have massive smokestacks or cooling towers – or even a central site.

Daniel Cohan, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University • conversation
Oct. 17, 2023 ~8 min

Pixel-by-pixel analysis yields insights into lithium-ion batteries

In a first, researchers have observed how lithium ions flow through a battery interface, which could help engineers optimize the material’s design.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
Sept. 13, 2023 ~9 min

Using combustion to make better batteries

An MIT team is working to harness combustion to yield valuable materials, including some that are critical in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries.

Nancy W. Stauffer | MIT Energy Initiative • mit
Feb. 16, 2023 ~17 min

To decarbonize the chemical industry, electrify it

Researchers urge industry and the research community to explore electrification pathways to reduce chemical industry emissions.

Kelley Travers | MIT Energy Initiative • mit
Jan. 31, 2023 ~8 min


Reversing the charge

Battery power from electric vehicles to the grid could open a fast lane to a net-zero future.

Leda Zimmerman | MIT Energy Initiative • mit
Nov. 28, 2022 ~10 min

Engineers solve a mystery on the path to smaller, lighter batteries

Branchlike metallic filaments can sap the power of solid-state lithium batteries. A new study explains how they form and how to divert them.

David L. Chandler | MIT News Office • mit
Nov. 18, 2022 ~8 min

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