Nanophysics in Climate Change Mitigation: Designing Nanomaterials for Energy Efficiency

Abstract

Nanophysics is specially outstanding as a leading discipline in mitigating climate change through the design of nanomaterials that reduce energy consumption. Such is the case of nanomaterial manipulation at an atomic and molecular level, where quantum effects elicit novel solutions to global energy challenges. In this regard, nanomaterials like nanoparticles, nanowires, and quantum dots are designed in a controlled fashion with precision in their structural and functional properties, hence opening unparalleled avenues toward the optimization of energy systems. Such nanomaterials help in enhancing energy conversion, storage, and utilization processes by bringing down losses and enhancing the efficiency of various renewable technologies in solar cells, thermoelectric devices, and batteries. The basic concepts involved in the design of nanomaterials are discussed in this paper, with unique attention to their role in key activity areas that include energy harvesting, energy storage, and energy conservation. Because of the high surface area-to-volume ratios, superior electrical conductivity, and tailored thermal properties, the unique features of the nanomaterials enable the creation of energy systems that will be more efficient and sustainable. Other important discussions in the paper are on the applications of nanomaterials to renewable energy systems, where these materials serve effectively in improving the efficiency of photovoltaic cells, reducing thermal losses in thermoelectric materials, and improving charge-discharge cycles in advanced batteries.