How can nanotechnology be used in the field of energy?
Energy has almost become a crisis or it will be a crisis in no time. Whatever the technology that can be used for preserving and making more energy would be great news for the mankind. Anyway, preserving and producing more energy is not that straightforward and easy. Generating energy is a complex process and preserving it is much more complex process. Nowadays scientists are carrying out experiments using nanotechnology in the field of energy to make sure the world does not run out of energy bringing about catastrophes to the civilizations.
The first focus area is reduction of energy consumption. As an example, currently used light bulbs only convert approximately 5% of the electric energy to light. 95% of the electric power has been wasted where other nineteen bulbs could have been lit if no waste. Scientists are experimenting to develop energy efficient LEDs or Quantum Caged Atoms (QCAs) using the nanotechnology. Another stage where the energy is wasted; at the process where the energy is primarily generated. Assume an example of hydro-electricity. Does the full energy of flowing water is converted in to electricity? I guess not! Using nanotechnology, scientists experiment for developing more efficient solar cells which would generate more energy than the commercially available solar panel that convert only 15%-20% of the sun’s energy. One other place which has room for improvement is the combustion engine. Currently it has only 30%-40% efficiency and there are plans for using nanotechnology for maximizing the catalysts surface area.
The third focus area is renewable energy. The classic example is the fuel cells powered by hydrogen. These fuel cells have catalyst consist of carbon supported noble metal particles with diameter of 1-5 nm. On the other hand nanotechnology can be used for cleaning up the emissions using nanoporous filters by catalytic coatings on cylinder walls and catalytic nanoparticles as additive for fuel. Recycling of batteries is one of the other main areas focused right now where the same batteries can be used by recharging them for a period longer than the current. So these super-capacitors that are made with the help of nanotechnology would have higher rechargeable rate compared to the existing ones.
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It seems that a lot of the negative aspects of renewable energy can be combated with nanotechnology.
I don't think people realize just how important alternative energy and solar energy in particular is. Just wanted to say thanks for posting this.
I've found some great stuff on solar energy. But if anyone can point me in the right direction for Zero Point or Free Energy in plain English please post here. Thanks!
In China it's not unusual to see private residents to make the move to solar power. Like in any country the initial expense is high, but putting a few solar panels on your roof will pay off in the long run. It's good for you and it's good for the environment. Everybody wins, right? Not so fast, skippy. This is China, remember?