ABSTRACT
Nanotechnology can be applied to the whole value chain of the
energy sector: energy sources – energy conversion – energy
distribution – energy storage and energy use. The overview of
the possible application range of nanotechnology in the energy
sector (see Figure 1.7) shows the vast and broad variety of possible
products and applications. In this chapter selected examples of
nanotechnological applications and innovations are described in
detail. It starts with an overview about the possible use of aerogels.
The variety of nanotechnology can be particularly exemplified
by aerogels. In the field of energy sources and conversion, the
current state of technology and market development of the dye
solar cell (DSC) technology are presented. Another section deals
with the possibility to recover waste heat by the use of nanoscale
thermoelectrics. Furthermore nanostructured ceramic membranes
are described because membrane technology is discussed to play an
important role in future carbon capture and storage (CCS) concepts
leading to low CO2 emission power generation. Nanomaterials for
energy storage are a matter of another section, followed by three ar-
ticles in the field of energy use. The first describes nanotechological
applications and innovations in construction. The second shows
how nanotechnology can be applied to manufacture active windows
for daylight-guiding applications. The third focuses on energy
efficiency potentials of nanotechnology in production processes.