ABSTRACT
The world is plagued with problems related to environmental pollution, ever-increasing demand for energy in the face of rapidly depleting natural resources like fossil fuel reserves, clean drinking water, and air. In order to address the gap between the increasing demand and supply of energy, nan-otechnological application via synthesis of tailored nanoparticles has ensured innovations and advancements in various sectors of energy ranging from generation to conversion to transmission to storage. The unique properties of nanomaterials like excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, large surface area, and enhanced stability have expanded their application in the energy sector. The success achieved in research and development activities with respect to the synthesis of size-controlled nanomaterials, expanding energy-related application of such nanomaterials, and increased activities to make the energy activities cost-effective are the key factors that are driving the future market growth of energy-related nanomaterials. But despite the great success attained, various factors have been identified that have restrained the demand and market growth of energy-related nanomaterials. Green nanotechnology and the requirement for sustainability in diverse energy areas are the need of the hour. The outline of the chapter is thus to initially highlight the increased demand for nanotechnology vis-à-vis the energy domain along with 26focussing on the different areas of energy in which nanotechnology has made a major impact. This is followed by a discussion on the toxicity effects due to the conventional synthesis methods employed, due to the fabrication of nanomaterials onto different energy devices, and lastly, the fate of such nano-materials during the consumerism of such devices. The need for sustainability in the energy sector and the importance of green nanotechnology are thus highlighted in the chapter. Finally, a critical discussion on different strategies that have been adopted to increase the sustainability of nanoparticle synthesis as well as on the applications is presented. The chapter is concluded with an eye-opener on certain critical issues like the lack of studies addressing the occupational health hazards associated with the use and exposure of energy-related green nanomaterials and safety aspects which otherwise can boost the wider acceptance and adoption of green nanotechnology in the energy sector.
