With the inevitable approach of global "Peak Oil", as described by Hubbert peak theory in 1956, it is necessary to find alternative methods of energy for automotive and mobile applications to replace the burning of fossil fuels. Global warming, which by many scientists is directly correlated to the burning of fossil fuels and the emissions of green house gases, could be prevented, or at least slowed down, by the emergence of so-called clean energy. One of the most promising candidates for this is hydrogen, the simplest and most abundant molecules in the universe.

By either burning or chemically reacting hydrogen with oxygen energy can be created. This process produces only pure water, H2O, and energy. One of the main challenges in making hydrogen accessible as a universal energy source is its storage. Since hydrogen is the smallest atom known to man, it can diffuse through almost any material if stored as a gas or liquid (which also require a prohibitive amount of energy). My research involves the development of a novel complex hydride, which stores hydrogen via chemical bonds and can release hydrogen through the addition of energy either in the form of heat or electricity.

Additionally, since complex hydrides are highly reactive with the atmosphere, I am investigating the packaging of these materials, so as to provide a safe and inexpensive means of storing both the hydrogen and the material. My research involves material development, synthesis, and characterization of various materials in order to develop a material with fast kinetics and high volumetric and gravimetric hydrogen storage characteristics, as set forth by the DOE and President Bush's Freedom Car program.