Nanotechnologies and Energy
Image: Chad Johnson on Flickr
At a time when we face the challenge of securing alternative, long term energy supplies, discoveries in nanoscience are bringing the possibility of a more sustainable future nearer to reality.
Photovoltaics
Photovoltaic technologies offer a potentially unlimited source of emission free, renewable energy by converting sunlight into electricity. Current solar cells require about 65 million m2 of photovoltaic cells to generate 1GW of energy. This means that to generate 5% (3.5 GW) of the UK’s requirement from photovoltaic sources, a cell area of over 225 square kilometres would be needed.
This need for space, as well as the high prices of solar cells is hindering the potential for increased energy generation from solar sources. The use of nanotechnologies could deliver real benefits in significantly decreasing the cost of solar cells and by allowing the production of more flexible, resilient panels which could potentially be ‘painted’ onto structures.
Fuel efficiencies
Nanotechnologies that are in use or currently being developed which improve the fuel efficiency of conventional fossil-fuel engines and turbines fall into one of four categories:
- Fuel additives: Commercial systems for diesel fuel have been developed based on nano cerium oxides which have delivered 5-10% reductions in fuel consumption in UK trials. Associated with this have been similar reductions in exhaust particulates.
- Tribological improvements: Certain nanoparticles are added to lubricants to neutralise the acids generated in combustion and thereby improve engine performance, including fuel economy and emissions.
- Nanodetergents: These are commercially available, although continuing development work may lead to further fuel efficiency improvements in performance of up to 5%.
- Nanostructured coatings for turbines: The purpose of the nanostructures is usually to improve adherence and integrity of ceramic coatings within gas turbines, particularly in aircraft. These coatings enable higher temperatures and hence higher efficiencies within the turbine. Generally, nanostructured coatings are in the advanced research or development phase.
The Hydrogen economy
Hydrogen can be generated through electrolysis or directly catalysed decomposition of water and then stored indefinitely, although this is currently difficult. Using fuel cells, hydrogen can be reacted with oxygen to generate water and usable electricity.
If the electricity used to generate the hydrogen from water is produced from renewable sources such as wind or wave, the hydrogen would be low or zero carbon. It would have the potential to replace traditional hydrocarbons as the major source of energy used in road transport.
Cost-effective clean hydrogen generation is one of three technological hurdles that must be overcome before the hydrogen economy can take off – the other two being the development of hydrogen fuel cells (to reduce costs and improve durability) and improved onboard hydrogen storage (to deliver the range offered by petrol or diesel vehicles). It is widely believed that nanotechnologies can provide breakthroughs in one or more of these areas.
Are nano- energy applications on the market yet?
Many fuel efficiencies have already been realised or are in advanced stages of development through the use of nanotechnologies. Other applications of nanotechnology, such as in the development of hydrogen cells, are longer term ambitions
Conclusions
Nanotechnologies have the potential to have a significant impact on energy efficiency and energy production in the future.
Below is a SWOT analysis summarising Government understanding, from discussion with stakeholders, of the major strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the UK in this sector. Please help to steer future actions and shape the UK business environment by answering the questions on the right hand side of the page.
Weaknesses
Although many of the ideas for harnessing nanotechnologies to achieve sustainable energy generation have been developed in the UK, in certain areas (e.g. automotive) we lack the manufacturing base to capitalise on these ideas.
Opportunities
The application of nanotechnologies to enable the development of clean and renewable energy and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels could significantly reduce carbon emissions and thereby help to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Threats
Research is ongoing into the potential health impact of free nanoparticles in diesel exhaust gases, there is a possible threat if the research shows that there are adverse heath impacts. As in other areas, the continued development of using new technologies in the energy sector is dependent on consumer acceptance which is likely to be a major factor in its success.
What’s your view? Please answer a short survey on nanotechnology in this sector using the form on the right, or leave a public comment using the form below.
