Nanotechnology allows for manipulating matter at the nanoscale with unprecedented accuracy and as such holds the promise of providing new materials with distinctly different properties. In recent years, breakthroughs in nanotechnology, especially in their applications in the energy sector, have opened up the possibility of moving beyond conventional energy generation approaches by introducing technologies that are more efficient, environmentally sound and cost effective. The book brings together some of the world's leading experts in nanotechnology and its applications in the energy sector, each covering a specific subject that falls within three general aspects: production, storage and use of energy. The first part covers the main developments of nanotechnology in clean energy production and conversion. Following a general overview on the contributions of nanomaterials for energy production, further chapters elaborate on specific topics such as photodevices,thermoelectric materials and fuel cells. The second part is concerned with the use of nanomaterials in more efficient energy storage systems like batteries, superconductors and materials for hydrogen storage. The third and last part discusses how nanotechnology can lead to a more efficient energy usage while reducing the negative impact to the environment.After the successful first edition of this book Nanotechnology for the Energy Challenge, the second edition has been extensively updated to include the latest progress in this field. It includes three new chapters on graphene, piezoelectric nanomaterials, and nanocatalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Praise for the first edition:'The book has a good index of technical terms, good quality graphical illustrations and a good reference list for further information. The book, which can be read either as a monograph, or by dipping into chapters of interest, should be of value to all researchers in energy andnanotechnology.' (Chemistry World, July 2010)'A "must" for those with a science education and an interest in the future of our energy supply, storage and use.' (Chemistry International, March 2010)'[...] this book brings under a single cover the major aspects of nanomaterials research for the energy sector and will have a profound impact on the research and development of nanomaterials for sustainable energy solutions. It is highly recommended for chemists, physicists, material scientists and engineers looking for an insight into the global energy challenge and the possible contribution nanotechnology can make.' (Prof. Sanjay Mathur, University of Cologne)

PREFACE TO THE 2ND EDITION PREFACE TO THE 1ST EDITIONPART ONE: Sustainable Energy Production NANOTECHNOLOGY FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION Energy Challenges in the Twenty-first Century and NanotechnologyNanotechnology in Energy Production New OpportunitiesOutlook and Future Trends NANOTECHNOLOGY IN DYE-SENSITIZED PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICES Introduction Semiconductors and Optical Absorption Dye Molecular Engineering The Stable Self-Assembling Dye Monomolecular Layer The Nanostructured Semiconductor Recent Research Trends Conclusions THERMAL-ELECTRICAL ENERGY CONVERSION FROM THE NANOTECHNOLOGY PERSPECTIVE Introduction Established Bulk Thermoelectric MaterialsSelection Criteria for Bulk Thermoelectric MaterialsSurvey of Size EffectsThermoelectric Properties on the Nanoscale: Modeling and MetrologyExperimental Results and DiscussionsSummary and PerspectivesPIEZOELECTRIC AND PIEZOTRONIC EFFECTS IN ENERGY HARVESTING AND CONVERSIONIntroductionPiezoelectric EffectPiezoelectric Nanomaterials for Mechanical Energy HarvestingPiezocatalysis - Conversion between Mechanical and Chemical EnergiesPiezotronics for Enhanced Energy ConversionPerspectives and ConclusionGRAPHENE FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION AND STORAGE APPLICATIONSIntroductionGraphene SupercapacitorsGraphene as a Battery/Lithium-Ion StorageGraphene in Energy Generation DevicesConclusions/OutlookNANOMATERIALS FOR FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIESIntroductionLow-Temperature Fuel CellsHigh-Temperature Fuel CellsConclusionsNANOCATALYSIS FOR IRON-CATALYZED FISCHER - TROPSCH SYNTHESIS: ONE PERSPECTIVEIntroductionNanocatalyst - Wax SeparationSummaryTHE CONTRIBUTION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY TO HYDROGEN PRODUCTIONIntroductionHydrogen Production by Semiconductor NanomaterialsSummaryPART TWO: Efficient Energy Storage NANOSTRUCTURED MATERIALS FOR HYDROGEN STORAGEIntroductionHydrogen Storage by PhysisorptionHydrogen Storage by ChemisorptionSummaryELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY STORAGE: THE BENEFITS OF NANOMATERIALSIntroductionNanomaterials for Energy StorageNanostructured Electrodes and Interfaces for the Electrochemical Storage of EnergyConclusionCARBON-BASED NANOMATERIALS FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY STORAGEIntroductionNanotexture and Surface Functionality of sp2 CarbonsSupercapacitorsLithium-Ion BatteriesConclusionsNANOTECHNOLOGIES TO ENABLE HIGH-PERFORMANCE SUPERCONDUCTORS FOR ENERGY APPLICATIONSOvercoming Limitations to Superconductors - Performance Flux Pinning by Nanoscale DefectsGrain Boundary ProblemAnisotropic Current PropertiesEnhancing Naturally Occurring Nanoscale Defects Artificial Introduction of Flux Pinning Nanostructures Self-Assembled Nanostructures Effect of Local Strain Fields in Nanocomposite Films Control of Epitaxy Enabling Atomic Sulfur Superstructure PART THREE: Energy Sustainability GREEN NANOFABRICATION: UNCONVENTIONAL APPROACHES FOR THE CONSERVATIVE USE OF ENERGY Introduction Green Approaches to Nanofabrication Future Directions: Toward 'Zero-Cost' Fabrication Conclusions NANOCATALYSIS FOR FUEL PRODUCTION Introduction Petroleum Refining Naphtha Reforming Hydrotreating Cracking Hydrocracking Conversion of Syngas Nanocatalysis for Bioenergy The Future SURFACE-FUNCTIONALIZED NANOPOROUS CATALYSTS TOWARDS BIOFUEL APPLICATIONSIntroduction Immobilization Strategies of Single Site Heterogeneous Catalysts Design of More Efficient Heterogeneous Catalysts with Enhanced Reactivity and Selectivity Other Heterogeneous Catalyst Systems on Nonsilica Supports Conclusion NANOTECHNOLOGY FOR CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE Introduction CO2 Capture Processes Nanotechnology for CO2 Capture Porous Coordination Polymers for CO2 Capture NANOSTRUCTURED ORGANIC LIGHT-EMITTING DEVICES Introduction Quantum Confinement and Charge Balance for OLEDs and PLEDs Phosphorescent Materials for OLEDs and PLEDs Multi-Photon Emission and Tandem Structure for OLEDs and PLEDs The Enhancement of Light Out-Coupling Outlook for th