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The latest news and blog posts from the World Nano Foundation.
White Paper: Unleashing the Potential of Nanotechnology for Superior Energy Storage and Solar Conversion Solutions
Introduction:
In pursuing a sustainable future, the global challenge of improving energy storage and solar conversion has become increasingly urgent.
However, the emergent field of nanotechnology offers extraordinary possibilities in the area of sustainable energy, providing innovative solutions for improving green energy.
This white paper investigates the most recent breakthroughs in nanotechnology that pave the way for more effective and efficient energy storage and solar conversion.
Global challenge and nanoscale innovations:
The global challenge of transitioning from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources necessitates advanced technology, and nanotechnology offers a promising solution in this area.
A report by Nanotechnology Product Database said: “There is a growing tendency for using nanotechnology in the renewable energies industrial sector, in which most worldwide leader manufacturers are using nanotechnology in many of their products”
Working at the nanoscale level, scientists and engineers have significantly improved energy storage and solar conversion technologies' performance and efficiency.
Nanoscale innovations have improved energy storage, creating advanced batteries with higher energy density and faster charging. Nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes enhance battery stability and lifespan through nanoscale coatings, facilitating quicker ion diffusion.
Nanotechnology has also boosted solar cell efficiency by incorporating nanoscale structures like quantum dots and perovskite materials. This leads to improved light absorption, better charge separation, and minimised energy losses, enabling more efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity.
Moreover, nanotechnology enables compact and efficient energy conversion and storage systems. Hybrid solar cells using nanomaterials generate electricity and store energy simultaneously, ensuring uninterrupted power supply even in low-light conditions. Nanoscale supercapacitors offer high power density and rapid energy discharge, ideal for energy storage applications.
Potential barriers to entry in Energy Storage and Conversion:
These include:
· Exorbitant expenditure for research and development: Delving into nanotechnology for energy storage and conversion necessitates substantial funding, posing a financial challenge for emerging companies or researchers in the sector.
· Lengthy development process: Creating new and innovative nanomaterials for energy purposes can be a drawn-out process, contributing to the hurdles faced by novices in the field.
· Regulatory barriers: Before new nanomaterials are given the green light for energy storage or solar conversion, they must surmount numerous regulatory obstacles, further complicating the market penetration pathway.
Market Size:
Despite the obstacles, the Energy Storage and Conversion market is experiencing swift growth. It is expected to grow to $17 billion by 2028, according to the report from Markets and Markets, which said:
“The ongoing revolution in renewable energy is contributing to this market growth.”
The increasing demand for renewable energy and the transition towards electric transportation create substantial market opportunities for advanced batteries and nanotechnology-enabled solar cells.
Success in Nanotechnology Energy Storage and Conversion:
Nanotech-based lithium-ion batteries: Sila Nanotechnologies, established in 2011 with over $900 million in funding, has made significant strides in the evolution of battery technology. This innovation integrates effortlessly into current battery production processes, resulting in batteries with superior energy density. This advancement addresses various needs, from wearable technology and portable devices to electric vehicles and practical renewable energy usage, strengthening performance and reliability in diverse applications.
Nanosolar is a company that specializes in the production of thin-film solar cells and panels. The firm provides solar energy solutions through a printing process, geared towards efficient power generation. By leveraging the CIGS platform, Nanosolar enhances conversion rates, thereby optimizing the performance of their printed solar energy offerings.
Black silicon: Natcore Technology is a company with a unique license from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, empowering it to produce and market black silicon products. This technology includes equipment, chemicals, and solar cells derived from nano-porous etched silicon, which appears black due to minimal light reflection. By boosting solar energy generation, Natcore's work can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and promote clean, renewable energy sources.
Investment and Start-ups in Nanotechnology for Energy Storage and Conversion:
There has been a significant influx of investment in the field of nanotechnology for energy storage and conversion.
Esteemed organisations such as the United States Department of Energy (DOE), and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) have been pioneering this movement with substantial expenditure on research and development of advanced nanotechnologies, which are aimed at enhancing the efficiency of energy systems and curbing costs.
A report from JST said: “For more than half a century as an advanced country, Japan has continuously been a leader in academic research, technological development, and industrial activity that have produced actual products in the field of nanotechnology and materials and Japan has accumulated scientific knowledge and technologies.”
In particular, the DOE has played a pivotal role in nurturing innovation in nanotechnology-enabled energy solutions, which are poised to revolutionise various facets of energy storage and conversion.
The convergence has given rise to both investments and startups harnessing the potential of nanomaterials and nanotechnology applications to revolutionise various Energy Storage and Conversion aspects.
Startups can operate at reduced costs compared to their larger counterparts. They excel at resource optimisation, creating affordable solutions, and fostering more widespread energy storage and conversion access.
Leading companies securing major space industry investment include:
· NextEra Energy: As one of the leading utility companies in the U.S., NextEra Energy, powers over 5 million Floridians while also holding global prominence as the largest generator of renewable energy from wind and solar and a world leader in battery storage.
· Toshiba: Toshiba’s energy storage solution employs their SCIB technology and a high-performance DC/AC converter, offering an efficient and durable system that optimises peak load management and system stability.
· Sonnen GmbH: This German company provides cost-effective renewable energy generation and battery storage solutions with a mission to empower its customers with grid-independent, clean energy.
· Fluence: Fluence is a global leader in energy technologies and services, providing three distinct pre-set systems tailored to suit a range of clients and their respective applications.
Key Academic Institutes Working in Nanotechnology Energy Storage and Conversion:
Universities and research institutions across the globe are engaged in the study and development of nanomaterials, focusing on creating novel materials for energy storage and conversion. Key contributors in this field include:
· Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): The MIT Energy Initiative is a multi-disciplinary initiative that addresses the global energy challenge, including nanotechnology research.
· Stanford University: Stanford's Nano Shared Facilities (SNF) conducts extensive research on nanotechnology, including energy storage and conversion projects.
· Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich): The Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zurich conducts extensive research in energy storage and conversion, including the application of nanotechnology.
· University of Cambridge: The Nanoscience Centre and the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy conduct relevant research.
· National University of Singapore (NUS): The NUS Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative conducts extensive research on nanotechnology with various applications, including energy.
· Imperial College London: The London Centre for Nanotechnology researches nanotech energy.
· Nanyang Technological University, Singapore: The Energy Research Institute conducts work in nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion.
· Tsinghua University, China: The Center for Nano and Micro Mechanics and the School of Materials Science and Engineering work on nanotech energy projects.
· ETH Zurich, Switzerland: Their Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering has ongoing research in nanotech for energy applications.
Industry Insights and Academic Quotes:
"Utilizing the unique power of nanoscale innovation in energy storage and solar conversion is a critical leap forward for the future of sustainable energy. Its ability to augment efficiency and diminish costs is transformative and delivers commercial scalability. Indeed, it's not just an enhancement; it's the cornerstone of constructing a future of sustainable energy." - Paul Stannard, Chairman and Founder at World Nano Foundation.
“Nanostructured materials and nanoarchitectured electrodes can provide solutions for designing and realising high-energy, high-power, and long-lasting energy storage devices.” – Said a spokesperson for American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Conclusion:
Advancements in energy storage and conversion depend heavily on material science, and nanotechnology serves as a pivotal component in this progress, particularly in the realm of advanced batteries and solar cells.
Despite the existing hurdles, the advanced energy storage and conversion solutions market is on a growth trajectory. Investments and startups that revolve around nanotechnology for energy storage and conversion, in addition to prominent academic institutions like the United States Department of Energy (DOE), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and esteemed universities worldwide, understand the importance of crafting new materials for sustainable energy applications.
Nanomaterials possess the potential to greatly enhance ion transportation and electron conductivity, which could be the solution to advancing this field.
With continuous research and collaboration, nanotechnology will persist in driving innovation and serve as an essential tool for pioneers in the field of energy storage and conversion, empowering them to break new ground in sustainable energy solutions.
To access the full report in a PDF format, please click on the link below:-
WNF Storage & Conversion White Paper
Note to editors: Commercial Applications for Nanotech and Energy Storage and Conversion Whitepaper
This report on the commercial applications of nanotechnology in energy storage and conversion is based on an exhaustive survey of existing literature, technical documents, and research papers from esteemed sources in the fields of materials science and energy technology. The research methodology used to assemble this report encompassed the following stages:
1. Literature Review: An extensive literature review was carried out to accumulate relevant information on the latest developments in nanotechnology and their implications for energy storage and conversion. A broad array of scientific databases, scholarly journals, industry reports, and authoritative websites were examined to compile diverse sources.
2. Data Collection: The data collected included information on nanomaterials, their properties, and their potential applications in energy storage and conversion. Moreover, data regarding the challenges and opportunities associated with nanotechnology's implementation in the energy sector were also assembled. The emphasis was on the most recent advancements and trends in the field.
3. Data Analysis: The gathered data was meticulously analysed to discern key themes, trends, and insights. This analysis involved synthesising information from various sources, identifying patterns, and drawing impactful conclusions. We placed a spotlight on how these breakthroughs at the nanoscale could facilitate more efficient energy storage and conversion mechanisms.
Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Global Challenge and Nanoscale Innovations
2.1 Advanced Batteries
2.2 Solar Cells
2.3 Hybrid Systems and Supercapacitors
3. Potential Barriers to Entry in Energy Storage and Conversion
3.1 Financial Constraints
3.2 Lengthy Development Process
3.3 Regulatory Barriers
4. Market Size and Growth of Energy Storage and Conversion
5. Success in Nanotechnology Energy Storage and Conversion
5.1 Case Study: Sila Nanotechnologies
6. Investment and Start-ups in Nanotechnology for Energy Storage and Conversion
6.1 Role of Government and International Agencies
6.2 Start-ups and Their Influence
6.3 Major Industry Players
7. Key Academic Institutes Working in Nanotechnology Energy Storage and Conversion
8. Industry Insights and Academic Quotes
9. Conclusion
Glossary of words:
1. Nanotechnology: A branch of technology that deals with dimensions and tolerances of less than 100 nanometers, especially the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules.
2. Energy Storage: The capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time.
3. Solar Conversion: The process of converting the energy of the sun into electricity or other forms of energy that can be used for practical applications.
4. Carbon Nanotubes: Cylindrical large molecules consisting of a hexagonal arrangement of hybridized carbon atoms forming a tube.
5. Quantum Dots: Nanoscale semiconductor particles that have optical and electronic properties that differ from larger particles due to quantum mechanics.
6. Perovskite Materials: A type of mineral consisting of calcium titanium oxide, or related compounds of different elements, having a specific crystalline structure.
7. Supercapacitors: High-capacity capacitors that bridge the gap between electrolytic capacitors and rechargeable batteries.
8. Hybrid Solar Cells: Solar cells that combine both organic and inorganic materials to maximize efficiency and durability.
Subjects:
9. Sustainable Energy: Energy that is produced and used in ways that support long-term human development in a social, economic, and ecologically sustainable manner.
10. Energy Density: A measure of energy storage capacity per unit volume or mass.
11. Ion Diffusion: The movement of ions from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.
12. Energy Efficiency: Using less energy to provide the same service.
13. Energy Systems: Systems used for the production, transmission, and consumption of energy.
14. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
15. Energy Density: The amount of energy stored in a system or region of space per unit volume.
16. Charging Speed: The rate at which energy storage devices such as batteries can be charged.
17. Efficiency of Solar Cells: The percentage of solar energy that can be converted into usable electricity.
18. Market Size: The total potential for sales in a particular market.
19. Investment Amount: The total amount of money invested in research and development in the field of energy storage and conversion.
20. Number of Start-ups: The total number of new companies established in the field of energy storage and conversion.
21. Regulatory Approvals: The number of approvals granted by regulatory bodies for the use of new materials in energy storage or solar conversion.
22. Adoption Rate of Nanotech Solutions: The speed at which new nanotechnology-based solutions are being accepted and used by consumers or industries.
23. Power Density of Supercapacitors: The amount of power that can be delivered per unit volume of the supercapacitor.
24. Stability of Advanced Batteries: The ability of advanced batteries to maintain their performance over time.
To access additional information on White Papers from the World Nano Foundation, please explore the following resources:
Whitepaper: Nanotechnology's Impact on Sustainable Agriculture through Key Commercial Applications
Tech investing is the key to Biden’s ‘Race to Zero’ to avoid climate crisis
President Biden’s ‘Race to Zero’ to reduce carbon emissions is underway, and go-ahead companies are jockeying to deliver emerging tech solutions to win it.
Leading nations including the USA (2nd biggest carbon emitter globally*), UK (17th), France (19th), Denmark, New Zealand, Japan(5th), and South Korea (8th) have committed to reaching net-zero by 2050. The world’s No1 emitter, China, has committed to net-zero by 2060. However, the International Energy Agency forecasts 2021 carbon emissions will be the second-highest ever recorded annually.
"It's easy to see the financial and environmental benefits of using advanced technology to accelerate the launch of ‘Race to Zero’, pushing back against urban pollution, health risk and Climate Change and a future multi-trillion-dollar cost in economic and environmental damage," said Vector Innovation Fund Co-Founder & The World Nano Foundation’s Paul Stannard.
Cities cover just 3% of the Earth but contribute 70% of global carbon emissions. Advanced technologies can provide the essential interconnectivity to drive this down.
Yet many tech companies say the tools for reaching net-zero already exist. One sector, in particular, is forging ahead in the battle to reduce carbon emissions in our cities using AI Digital Twin technology.
One Digital Twin market pioneer involved is Cityzenith’s whose SmartWorldOS™ software platform can create virtual replicas of buildings and urban areas to track, manage and optimize carbon emissions to minimize environmental damage.
The US company’s tech is currently deployed in multiple international megaprojects, including a substantial ground-breaking de-carbonization energy scheme for US cities.
Cityzenith’s CEO Michael Jansen said, “Cities are the key battleground, and that’s why we made our ‘Clean Cities – Clean Future’ pledge to donate our SmartWorldOS™ software platform to key cities one by one to drive down their carbon emission”.
Swiss-based company Climeworks has focused on carbon capture rather than emission management. Its Orca facility is designed to suck some 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the air each year.
Climeworks Christoph Beuttler believes carbon capture facilities like Orca must go mainstream if we are to reach net-zero:
"In order to stay within the 1.5-degree goal (to avoid Climate Change), we have 8-10 years left of current emissions, and we will not make that so, globally, we will have to remove CO2 from the atmosphere permanently."
Fortunately, technology now attracts significant investment. Cityzenith has added over 5000 investors as part of its $15m Regulation A+ crowdfunding raise since the end of 2020. Climate-focused investment funds such as US-based Congruent Ventures and the European fund, 2150, have recently supported start-ups and companies developing essential climate solutions. This form of investment is forecasted to run into trillions of dollars in the next 5 to 10 years.
But Cityzenith's Jansen added: " We must invest immediately, to act now and more effectively to protect our planet. "
Jansen's upcoming FREE investment webinar, 'Join The Race to Zero – Investing in Technology For Sustainable Cities,' will take place virtually on Tuesday 11 May at 08:00 CT and 13:00 CT. To learn more about using emerging tech to combat Climate Change, please sign up here.
Nanotechnologies are poised to have a huge impact on agriculture
Science is about big ideas that change the world. But sometimes, big impacts come from the tiniest of objects.
Nanotechnology might sound like science fiction, but it represents technologies that have been developed for decades. Nanotechnological approaches have found real-world applications in a wide range of areas, from composite materials in textiles to agriculture.
Agriculture is one of the oldest human inventions, but nanotech provides modern innovations that could dramatically improve the efficiency of our food supply and reduce the environmental impact of its production.
Agriculture comes with costs that farmers are only too familiar with: Crops require substantial amounts of water, land and fuel to produce. Fertilizers and pesticides are needed to achieve the necessary high crop yields, but their use comes with environmental side effects, even as many farmers explore how new technologies can reduce their impact.
The tiniest of objects
Nanotechnology is the science of objects that are a few nanometres—billionths of a meter—across. At this size, objects acquire unique properties. For example, the surface area of a swarm of nanoscale particles is enormous compared to the same mass collected into single large-scale clump.
Varying the size and other properties of nanoscale objects gives us an unprecedented ability to create precision surfaces with highly customized properties.
Employing particles
Traditionally, applying chemicals involves first mixing the active ingredients in water and then spraying the mixture on crops. But the ingredients do not mix easily, making this an inefficient process that requires large quantities of water.
To improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact, farmers need their fertilizers and pesticides to reach their crops and be absorbed into the plant exactly where they're needed—into the roots or the leaves, for example. Ideally, they could use just enough of the chemical to enhance the crop's yield or protect it from attack or infection, which would prevent excess from being wasted.
Custom-made nanoscale systems can use precision chemistry to achieve high-efficiency delivery of fertilizers or pesticides. These active ingredients can be encapsulated in a fashion similar to what happens in targeted drug delivery. The encapsulation technique can also be used to increase the amount dissolved in water, reducing the need for large amounts.
Current applications
Starpharma, a pharmaceutical company, got into this game a few years ago, when it set up a division to apply its nanotechnological innovations to the agriculture sector. The company has since sold its agrochemical business.
Psigryph is another innovative nanotech company in agriculture. Its technology uses biodegradable nanostructures derived from Montmonercy sour cherries extract to deliver bioactive molecules across cell membranes in plants, animals and humans.
My lab has spent years working in nanoscience, and I am proud to see our fundamental understanding of manipulating polymer encapsulation at the nanoscale make its way to applications in agriculture. A former student, Darren Anderson, is the CEO of Vive Crop Protection, named one of Canada's top growing firms: they take chemical and biological pesticides and suspend them in "nanopackets"—which act as incredibly small polymer shuttles—to make them easily reach their target. The ingredients can be controlled and precisely directed when applied on crops.
Existing infrastructure
One bonus of these nanotech developments is that they don't actually require any new equipment whatsoever, which is a tremendous advantage in the financially challenging agricultural industry. Farmers simply mix these products using less water and fuel to make efficiency gains.
Other agricultural uses for nanotech include animal health products, food packaging materials and nanobiosensors for detecting pathogens, toxins and heavy metals in soil. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the widespread use of these new applications in the near future.
As nanotechnologies take flight, this kind of productivity gain will be critical for farmers and a big deal for the rest of us, as the Earth's population continues to grow and the effects of climate change become increasingly obvious. Farmers will need to do more with less.
Fortunately, a few billionths of a meter is the very definition of less. With the help of tiny nanotech, global agriculture is on the verge of some very big things.
Image: Shutterstock - Vadym Zaitsev
How Nanotechnology can be used to store and create energy
We need to produce energy, and nanotechnology is becoming more and more involved in the creation of it. Here are some of the ways nanotechnology has been used to produce energy and how it could be used to produce energy in the future.
Storing Hydrogen in fuel cell powered cars
To increase the binding energy of hydrogen to a surface level of a fuel tank, researchers are using and producing graphene layers. This way, there can be a higher amount of storage in your car and a lighter weight fuel tank.
You can use these nanotube sheets to wrap around a hot pipe in your car, such as the exhaust, to generate the energy from the heat of the hot pipe which would usually be wasted.
Generating steam from sunlight
Researchers have demonstrated that sunlight, concentrated on nanoparticles, can produce steam with high energy efficiency. A ‘solar steam device’ could be used in developing countries where there is no electricity to purify water and to disinfect dental instruments.
The potential practicality of this nanoscience could be a useful tool in order to prevent less suffering in countries with unfiltered, diseased water and therefore improve the quality of life for people in developing countries.
Increased electricity generated by windmills
Using an epoxy containing carbon nanotubes can enable the creation of stronger and lower weight blades. This enables the production of longer blades, therefore increasing the amount of energy produced from each windmill.
The improved blade design through nanotechnology makes windmills more efficient, meaning that we can become more reliant on windmills to produce a larger amount of our energy rather than fossil fuels.
High efficiency light bulbs
High efficiency light bulbs can be produced through a nano engineered polymer matrix. The new bulbs are not only shatterproof, but also operate at twice the efficiency of compact, fluorescent light bulbs.
This will more efficient light bulbs help to conserve energy and electricity, and across multiple households and buildings across the world this could have a major impact on the amount of energy that we save.
Go to our news page to see more stories and find out more information about the possibilities of Nanotechnology.
How nanotechnology can help to combat climate change
Nanotechnology is quickly becoming one of the most important elements of modern science. With the looming uncertainty around climate change ahead, nanotechnology for certain will be playing a part in helping to try and protect our planet.
Nano CO2 Harvesters
Researchers have developed Nano CO2 harvesters, which can suck atmospheric carbon dioxide and deploy it for industrial purposes, helping to slow the rise of CO2 levels in the atmosphere. Many regard this nanotechnology as the potential ‘holy grail’ of combating climate change.
There is hope that the technology in the future could be used to take CO2 from the earth’s atmosphere and convert it into useful products such as Alcohol. Despite being very early in the progress of this potentially revolutionary product, there is a real promise that this science could be crucial to protecting the planet.
Accelerated Anaerobic digestion
Digesters have been used for years to convert biodegradable waste into biogas fuels and solids that can be used as fertilizers, but the process is incredibly slow. However, using nanotechnology, this process can be sped up rapidly.
Adding metal oxide particles to food digesters can double the amount of biogas produced, This means farms and food industries can manage biodegradable waste with more, leading to less pollution into land and water.
Electricity storage and batteries
As a cheaper method of supercapacitor storage of renewable energy, Electricity storage through everyday objects like bricks could play a major role in reducing the number of emissions we need to produce.
In this research, nanoscientists have found a way to store electricity into the house brick. This way, buildings could become powerhouses of energy, meaning that we would be able to be more efficient with our electricity and could lead the way from a transition away from CO2 emissions.
Click here to see some more impacts of nanotechnology.