This webinar is presented in conjunction with the December, 2021 issue of MRS Bulletin.

With the recent dramatic decrease in the cost of renewable electrons, there is a growing opportunity for materials to play a critical role in the transformation of how we use these electrons. The December, 2021 issue of MRS Bulletin focuses on this trend, which some have termed the “electrification of everything”—with a fundamental assumption that by electrifying everything from transportation to the chemical industry through the use of renewable electrons, we can potentially create a carbon-free energy system.

Materials will play a critical role in the success of this move toward electrification. The articles in the Bulletin issue examine how we are changing our energy infrastructure and focuses on the materials challenges related to this shift toward electrification. They explore the materials challenges related to storing electrons either directly or in the form of hydrogen, followed by electrification of transportation, buildings, and the chemical industry. Some of the social ramifications of this global electrification transformation are also examined.

The talks in this webinar will be presented by authors from the issue, and an interactive Q&A session with the speakers will follow each talk.

Talk Presentations

Materials Research and Development Needs to Enable Efficient and Electrified Buildings
Judith Vidal, National Renewable Energy Lab and Colorado School of Mines
Wale Odukomaiya, National Renewable Energy Lab
Talk begins at 14:28
Advanced Materials Supply Considerations for Electric Vehicle Applications
Timothy Lipman, University of California, Berkeley
Petra Maier, University of Applied Sciences Stralsund
Talk begins at 42:23
Overview of Energy Storage
Turgut Gür, Stanford University
Talk begins at 1:06:40