The liquid metal battery story is more than an account of inventing technology. It's a blueprint for inventing inventors.
Donald SadowayWith a giant battery, we'd be able to address the problem of intermittency that prevents wind and solar from contributing to the grid in the same way that coal and gas and nuclear do today.
Donald SadowayThe students who work with me believe in science in service of society, not science in service of career building.
Donald SadowayIf we're going to get this country out of its current energy situation, we can't just conserve our way out. We can't just drill our way out. We can't bomb our way out. We're going to do it the old-fashioned, American way. We're going to invent our way out, working together.
Donald SadowayIn a battery, I strive to maximize electrical potential. When mentoring, I strive to maximize human potential.
Donald SadowayIf you want to make something dirt cheap, make it out of dirtโpreferably dirt that is locally sourced.
Donald SadowayPeople would like better batteries but they are wary of making investments. What is required is both a technology push and a market pull.
Donald SadowayIn a wristwatch, imagine the battery is in the strap and there's a medical sensor in there connected to the internet. If someone is monitoring that, they could phone up if the user has forgotten to take some medication. This could save hundreds of dollars in medical fees later. What's missing? It's a stable battery.
Donald Sadoway