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.