Who: A team of engineers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
What: A molten metal battery that can store more charge than any other battery on the market - the equivalent of 10,000 100-watt light bulbs for hours - and is even the cheapest to produce. It is composed of three layers of extremely hot liquid, reaching 700 degrees Celsius. The metal liquids receive and release electrons that produce an electrical current. It also has the ability to produce enough heat to keep it melted, which adds the dimension of self-sustainability to its already impressive repertoire.
Future: Because these batteries can store large amounts of energy, the long-range goal is to use them as power storage devices for electric grids. They likely will be used a backup power sources for hospitals, hotels and even single-family homes.
-compiled by Andrew Matz