Nanotechnology's Implications for Select Systems of Renewable Energy

Abstract

Developments in micro and nanotechnology within the renewable energy industry have the potential to create significant advances for the renewable energy industry. A review of selected renewable energy sectors being influenced by micro and nanotechnology was performed, finding that the most promising areas involve electricity generation, biomass technologies, and hydrogen technologies. Such technologies include: surface microtexturization and nanocrystalline films in photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical cells; nanoscale catalysts and membranes in biomass or thermochemical hydrogen generation; surface utilization of carbon nanotubes in hydrogen storage and fuel cell applications. These advances may increase process yields and efficiencies, and also may lower overall costs.

Nanotechnology in Solar and Biofuels

“…Nanomaterials can provide particularly high surface area to mass ratio, which is desirable for catalysis and control of chemical composition. In fact, specific matching of catalysts with reactor types and processes is one of the other benefits of using nanoscale . Gasification converts carbon-containing feedstock into a synthetic gas comprising of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, etc .…”

“…In fact, specific matching of catalysts with reactor types and processes is one of the other benefits of using nanoscale. 95 Gasification converts carbon-containing feedstock into a synthetic gas comprising of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, etc. 96 Gasification of biomass into fuel gases, such as synthesis gas or producer gas, is a promising route to produce renewable fuels, which is commonly accomplished via partial oxidation of the feedstock using substoichiometric air or oxygen or by indirect heating with or without steam.…”

Safe, stable and effective nanotechnology: phase mapping of ZnS nanoparticles

“…5,6 Nanotechnology is being developed in the private sector and we are beginning to see more nanotechnology products such as clothing, cosmetics, household goods and building materials entering the market. [7][8][9] Government organisations are also investing heavily into nanotechnology for common interests such as energy, 10,11 water 12 and defence. [13][14][15] In general, the socio-economic impacts of nanotechnology are expected to surpass those of the industrial and information technology revolutions, [16][17][18] however many of the benefits are intrinsically linked to possible hazards that have the potential to harm our environment, pose a danger to living organisms and have negative impacts on economies.…”