Faced with the steady rise in energy costs, dwindling fossil fuel supplies, and the need to maintain a healthy environment - exploration of alternative energy sources is essential for meeting energy needs. Biological systems employ a variety of efficient ways to collect, store, use, and produce energy. By understanding the basic processes of biological models, scientists may be able to create systems that mimic biomolecules and produce energy in an efficient and cost effective manner. On May 14-15, 2007 a group of chemists, chemical engineers, and others from academia, government, and industry participated in a workshop sponsored by the Chemical Sciences Roundtable to explore how bioinspired chemistry can help solve some of the important energy issues the world faces today. The workshop featured presentations and discussions on the current energy challenges and how to address them, with emphasis on both the fundamental aspects and the robust implementation of bioinspired chemistry for energy. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Overview - The Role of Bioinspired Chemistry in Improving Alternative Energy Technologies 2 Government, Industry, and Academic Perspectives on Bioinspired Chemistry for Energy 3 Fundamental Aspects of Bioinspired Chemistry for Energy 4 Robust Implementation of Bioinspired Chemistry for Energy 5 Partnerships and Integration 6 Research Challenges, Education, and Training Appendixes Appendix A: Workshop Agenda Appendix B: Biographies Appendix C: Poster Abstracts Appendix D: Workshop Attendees Appendix E: Origin of and Information on the Chemical Sciences Roundtable

The Chemical Sciences Roundtable (CSR) was established in 1997 by the National Research Council (NRC). It provides a science oriented apolitical forum for leaders in the chemical sciences to discuss chemistry-related issues affecting government, industry, and universities. Organized by the National Research Council's Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology, the CSR aims to strengthen the chemical sciences by fostering communication among the people and organizations - spanning industry, government, universities, and professional associations - involved with the chemical enterprise. One way it does this is by organizing workshops that address issues in chemical science and technology that require national attention. In September 2011, the CSR organized a workshop on the topic, "The Role of Chemical Sciences in Finding Alternatives to Critical Resources." The one-and-a-half-day workshop addressed key topics, including the economic and political matrix, the history of societal responses to key mineral and material shortages, the applications for and properties of existing minerals and materials, and the chemistry of possible replacements. The workshop featured several presentations highlighting the importance of critical nonfuel mineral and material resources in history, catalysis, agriculture, and electronic, magnetic, and optical applications. The Role of the Chemical Sciences in Finding Alternatives to Critical Resources: A Workshop Summary explains the presentations and discussions that took place at the workshop. In accordance with the policies of the NRC, the workshop did not attempt to establish any conclusions or recommendations about needs and future directions, focusing instead on issues identified by the speakers. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Introduction and Overview 2 Assessments of Criticality 3 Critical Materials in Catalysis 4 Replacing Critical Materials with Abundant Materials 5 Optoelectronics and Photovoltaics 6 Critical Materials in Large-Scale Battery Applications 7 General Observations References A Workshop Agenda B Organizing Committee Biographies C Guest Speaker Biographies D Origin of and Information on the Chemical Sciences Roundtable