ABSTRACT
This entry provides a fundamental understanding of the impact of nanotechnology on energy. Its purpose is to provide the reader with an introduction to nanotechnology, its advances, and examples of how the applications and how the development of nanotechnology combine new and existing applications that are cost effective and impact energy. An understanding of nanotechnology must begin with an understanding of its positive and negative dimensions. Several analogies have been used to demonstrate the extreme ranges of these important dimensions.This entry concludes with the importance of bringing the nanoworld to students at all academic levels. Nanotechnology education should begin early to initiate and maintain student interest throughout their academic journey, from elementary level through higher education, especially those historically underrepresented in math and science professions, so that the United States cultivates its own scientists and engineers.
