Nanotechnology in the Energy

A little introduction to the Energy Applications

Nanotechnology is now trying to find new energy sources and trying (and in fact, getting) to improve current sources. Also, nanotechnology is finding the way to enhance alternative energy, trying to be able to satisfy the energy needs of the world.
Among the objectives of applying nanotechnology on this field, we find: to reduce energy comsumption, to develop clean, affordable and renewable sources and decrease the burden of toxicity on the environment.
Do you find this interesting? Keep reading.

Advances in energy applications

Researchers are investigating carbon nanotube scrubbers and membranes to separate carbon dioxide from power plant exhaust. Also, the nanotubes are going to be used in the fabrication of wires that will have much lower resistance than the wires currently used, this is: we're reducing de power loss.
Also, there are progress in the process of desalination of the water, some engineers have developed a thin film made of molybdenum disulphide with nano-pores, which filters two to five times more water than current filters.
On the other hand, scientists have developed nano-sensors and nano-solutions to detect and identify chemical agents in the environment with a much greater sensitivity. NASA researchers are still investigating about how to apply this technology as a smartphone extension so firefighters can use it to monitor air quality around fires.

Carbon Nanotubes Structure

Besides that, nanotechnology is already being used in new batteries that charge quicker, making them more efficient, lighter and capable of holding electrical charge longer. And related to the energy saving products, nanotechnology is trying to develop a big number of products that are more efficient as lighter vehicle chassis, electronics materials that suppose a lower energy consumption...
And last but not least, this technology could guide us to a new device capable of detecting impurities in water, so it could help meet the need for clean drinking water.

This is just the beginning: Future Applications

Among the future applications there are a lot of amazing ones that would help in our day to day. For example, new high-power rechargeable battery systems are being developed, with this we find the development of a new kind of materials were aluminium, steel or asphalt (and their recycled forms) are destined to improve the performance, resiliency and longevity of highways and infrastructure components while reducing their life cycle cost.
Finally, we introduce the possibility of developing new nano-systems capable of self-repair, something that would be used on roads, attached to the option of incorporate systems able to generate or transmit energy.

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