Liquid transforms into energy-rich gel that stores power for months (news.northwestern.edu)

• New supramolecular material ANI-MV converts from liquid to gel upon energy absorption.
• The gel stores electrons for months and releases them on demand for chemical reactions.
• Material resets via exposure to air and can be reused repeatedly.

"Northwestern University researchers have developed a liquid material that absorbs energy from sunlight, electricity, or X-rays and transforms into a black gel that stores the energy for months. Exposure to oxygen resets the material back to liquid, enabling repeated use. The material combines energy harvesting, storage, and release in a single supramolecular system inspired by cellular biology. Potential applications include renewable energy storage, environmental remediation, and adaptive soft electronics."