> Yes but I was actually thinking more along the lines of storing 
> energy as a
> change from one group to another rather than a physical structure.
>
> e.g.
>
>    Al37   <--->   Al13 + Al23 + Al
>
> Maybe do this with something much more reactive like sodium or 
> lithium.

Alumin(i)um is in fact extremely reactive by normal standards. In air 
it would catch fire were it not for the fact that it immediately forms 
an oxide coating so tenacious that it prevents further reaction. 
Extremely fine Alumin(i)um powder is a hazardous material as it will 
catch fire in air and also reacts with moisture. People have made 
aluminium (wel'll go British) powered devices - eg an 
Aluminium-Seawater powered torpedo. A mechanical abrader kept the 
surface clear of oxide. Al-Air batteries have high energy densities. 
Al is a major constituent of some rocket fuels including the Space 
Shuttle solid boosters.



        RM





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