A team of Stanford chemists is pioneering the use of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) as 'liquid batteries' for long-term energy storage. By combining compounds like cobalt or iron with isopropanol and acetone, they aim to mitigate the variability of renewable energy on the electrical grid. Their innovative approach, detailed in a study in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, focuses on converting and storing electrical energy in liquid fuels without generating gaseous hydrogen. This strategy could revolutionize the storage of excess energy produced on high-energy-production days for use during low-energy-production periods. The team's vision is to use LOHCs to efficiently store and release energy as needed, converting excess energy into simple, long-lasting forms like acetone and isopropanol. By utilizing accessible ingredients and novel catalysts, including iridium and cobaltocene, they aim to create a sustainable, non-toxic energy storage system. The research presents a new direction in selectively storing electrical energy, offering a promising solution to the challenges of renewable energy variability. The team plans to explore additional catalysts like iron to enhance the affordability and scalability of the liquid battery system. This groundbreaking work represents a significant advancement in the field of energy storage and grid optimization, with potential implications for the future of sustainable energy usage.