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Nanotechnology and Energy: Science, Promises, and Limits
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Contents
Notes on the Contributors
Foreword
xiii
xxi
1. Challenges in the Energy Sector and Future Role of
Nanotechnology 1
Jochen Lambauer, Dr. Ulrich Fahl, and Prof. Dr. Alfred Voß
1.1 The Energy Sector in Germany and Its Future
Challenges 1
1.1.1 Demographic and Economic Development 2
1.1.2 Development of Prices for Fossil Energy
Sources 2
1.1.3 Primary Energy Consumption 3
1.1.4 Electricity Generation 6
1.1.5 Final Energy Consumption 9
1.1.6 Energy Productivity and Energy Intensity 9
1.1.7 Emissions 12
1.2 Nanotechnology and Energy 15
2. Principles of Nanotechnology 21
2.1 Definition and Classification 21
Jochen Lambauer, Dr. Ulrich Fahl, and
Prof. Dr. Alfred Voß
2.2 Scientific and Technical Background 25
Jochen Lambauer, Dr. Ulrich Fahl, and
Prof. Dr. Alfred Voß
2.2.1 Nanomaterials 25
2.2.1.1 Point-shaped structures 25
2.2.1.2 Line-shaped structures 27
2.2.1.3 Layer structures 28

vi
Contents
2.2.1.4 Pore structures 29
2.2.1.5 Complex structures 30
2.2.2 Top-Down and Bottom-Up Strategy 31
2.2.3 Tools and Production Processes 33
2.2.3.1 Vapour deposition 37
2.2.3.2 Manufacturing from liquid or
dissolved raw materials 38
2.2.3.3 Manufacturing from solid raw
materials 38
2.2.3.4 Lithography 39
2.2.3.5 Self-organisation 40
2.2.3.6 Nanoanalytics 40
2.3 Innovation and Economic Potential 42
Dr. Wolfgang Luther
2.3.1 Nanotechnology as a Cross-Cutting
Innovation Field 42
2.3.2 Economic Relevance of Nanotechnology 47
2.3.3 Nanotechnology Companies in the
Value-Added Chain 50
2.4 Risk and Safety Issues 54
Niels Boeing
2.4.1 The Image of Nanotechnology: Three Phases 54
2.4.1.1 Pre-2000: the futuristic phase 55
2.4.1.2 2000–2006: the nanomarkets phase 55
2.4.1.3 Since 2006: the sceptical phase 56
2.4.2 A Systematic Approach to Nanotechnology
Risks 57
2.4.2.1 Primary nanorisks: impacts on
health and the environment 58
2.4.2.2 Secondary nanorisks: impacts on
society and the economy 63
2.4.3 Conclusion 63
2.5 Public Perception of Nanotechnologies: Challenges
and Recommendations for Communication
Strategies and Dialogue Concepts 68
Dr. Antje Grobe and Nico Kreinberger
2.5.1 Introduction 68
2.5.2 Psychological, Social, and Cultural Factors of
Risk Perception 69

Contents
vii
2.5.3 Public Perception of Nanotechnologies: an
International Comparison 71
2.5.4 Consumer’s Perception of Nanotechnologies
in German Language Areas 76
2.5.5 Attitudes Towards Nanotechnologies in the
Energy Sector 82
2.5.6 Requirements for Consumer Communication 83
2.5.7 Conclusions: Recommendations for
Communication Strategies and Dialogue
Concepts 85
3. Examples for Nanotechnological Applications in
the Energy Sector 89
3.1 Aerogels: Porous Sol-Gel-Derived Solids for
Applications in Energy Technologies 90
Dr. Gudrun Reichenauer
3.1.1 Aerogels–Synthesis and Properties 90
3.1.1.1 Synthesis 90
3.1.1.2 Structural properties 93
3.1.2 Properties Meeting Applications 94
3.1.2.1 Thermal insulation 94
3.1.2.2 Components for energy storage 102
3.1.2.3 Catalysts supports 106
3.1.2.4 Other energy-related fields of
application 107
3.1.3 Problems to be Solved for a Broad
Introduction of Aerogels in Energy-Related
Applications 107
3.1.4 Conclusions 109
3.2 Energy Sources and Conversion 114
3.2.1 Dye Solar Cells 114
Dr. Claus Lang-Koetz, Dr. Andreas Hinsch,
and Dr. Severin Beucker
3.2.1.1 DSC technology and its application 115
3.2.1.2 Characteristics of DSC modules 116
3.2.1.3 Manufacturing steps for DSC
modules 118
3.2.1.4 Industrial production for DSC
modules 119

viii
Contents
3.2.1.5 Application scenarios for future DSC
products 122
3.2.1.6 Environmental impact 123
3.2.1.7 Conclusions and outlook 125
3.2.2 Nanoscale Thermoelectrics – a Concept for
Higher Energy Efficiency? 128
Dr. Harald Böttner and Jan König
3.2.2.1 Introduction 129
3.2.2.2 Initial concepts of nanoscale
thermoelectrics 130
3.2.2.3 Current concepts of nanoscale
thermoelectrics 131
3.2.2.4 Nanocomposite bulk materials 138
3.2.2.5 Summary and outlook 142
3.2.3 Nanostructured Ceramic Membranes for
Carbon Capture and Storage 144
Dr.MartinBram,Dr.TimvanGestel,
Dr. Wilhelm Albert Meulenberg,
and Prof. Dr. Detlev Stöver
3.2.3.1 Requirements of membranes for gas
separation in post- and
pre-combustion power plants 144
3.2.3.2 Gas separation with microporous
ceramic membranes 147
3.2.3.3 Membrane materials 149
3.2.3.4 Performance of microporous
ceramic membranes 153
3.2.3.5 Summary and conclusion 159
3.3 Energy Storage and Distribution 162
3.3.1 Materials for Energy Storage 162
Dr. Wiebke Lohstroh
3.3.1.1 Materials for hydrogen storage 165
3.3.1.2 Physiorption materials 166
3.3.1.3 Chemisorption materials 167
3.3.1.4 Materials for energy storage in
batteries 176
3.3.1.5 ‘New’ battery materials 180
3.3.1.6 Conclusions 184

Contents
ix
3.4 Energy Use 190
3.4.1 Nanotechnology in Construction 190
Dr. Wenzhong Zhu
3.4.1.1 General development 190
3.4.1.2 Application areas 193
3.4.1.3 Future prospect 200
3.4.2 Active Windows for Daylight-Guiding
Applications 203
Andreas Jäkel, Qingdang Li,
Jörg Clobes, Volker Viereck,
and Prof. Dr. Hartmut Hillmer
3.4.2.1 Introduction and basics 203
3.4.2.2 Complete active window 208
3.4.2.3 Regulation concepts for active
windows 211
3.4.2.4 Production of micromirror arrays 212
3.4.3 Energy Efficiency Potential of
Nanotechnology in Production Processes 215
Dr. Karl-Heinz Haas
3.4.3.1 Introduction 215
3.4.3.2 Types and properties of nanoscaled
materials 216
3.4.3.3 Production processes of
nanomaterials 217
3.4.3.4 Nanotechnologies in production
processes 220
3.4.3.5 The vision of molecular
manufacturing 231
3.4.3.6 Conclusion, summary, and outlook 232
4. Potential Analysis and Assessment of the Impact of
Nanotechnology on the Energy Sector Until 2030 241
4.1 Methodological Approach 241
Jochen Lambauer, Dr. Ulrich Fahl, and
Prof. Dr. Alfred Voß
4.2 Environmental Impact and Energy Demand of
Nanotechnology 247
Michael Steinfeldt

x
Contents
4.2.1 Environmental Reliefs Potentials of
Nanotechnology 248
4.2.2 Evaluation of Specific Application Contexts:
Life Cycle Assessment 249
4.2.3 Evaluation of Specific Manufactured
Nanoparticles 255
4.3 Potentials of Nanotechnology for Improvements in
Energy Efficiency and Emission Reduction 265
Jochen Lambauer, Dr. Ulrich Fahl, and
Prof. Dr. Alfred Voß
4.3.1 Energy Sources and Conversion 266
4.3.1.1 Solar heat and photovoltaics 266
4.3.1.2 Fuel cells 271
4.3.1.3 Fuel additives 271
4.3.1.4 Nanostructured membranes 272
4.3.1.5 Thermoelectric generators 272
4.3.2 Energy Storage and Distribution 273
4.3.3 Energy Use 274
4.3.3.1 LED and OLED in illumination 274
4.3.3.2 New display technologies 276
4.3.3.3 Ultra-high-performance concrete 279
4.3.3.4 Insulation with vacuum-insulation
panels 281
4.3.3.5 Polycarbonates for automotive glazing 282
4.3.3.6 Nano-lacquers 282
4.3.3.7 Nanocatalysts 283
4.3.3.8 Nanoparticles in synthetic production 284
4.3.3.9 Nanpoarticles in tyre compounds 284
4.3.3.10 Nano-based coatings to reduce friction 285
4.3.4 Theoretical Potentials of
Nanotechnology 286
4.4 Scenario and Sensitivity Analyses for Impacts of
Nanotechnological Applications 296
Jochen Lambauer, Dr. Ulrich Fahl, and
Prof. Dr. Alfred Voß
4.4.1 Energy Sources and Conversion 298
4.4.1.1 Solar heat and photovoltaics 298
4.4.1.2 Fuel cells 302

Contents
xi
4.4.1.3 Fuel additives 306
4.4.1.4 Nano-based membranes for carbon
capture and storage 307
4.4.1.5 Thermoelectric generators 309
4.4.2 Energy Storage and Distribution 310
4.4.3 Energy Use 311
4.4.3.1 LED and OLED in illumination 311
4.4.3.2 New display technologies 314
4.4.3.3 Ultra-high-performance concrete 316
4.4.3.4 Insulation with vacuum-insulation
panels 317
4.4.3.5 Polycarbonates for automotive glazing 319
4.4.3.6 Nano-lacquers 320
4.4.3.7 Nanocatalysts for styrene
manufacturing 322
4.4.3.8 Nanoparticles in synthetic production 323
4.4.3.9 Nanoparticles in tyre compounds 324
4.4.3.10 Nano-based coatings to reduce friction 325
4.5 Comprehensive Subsumption of Nanotechnology in
the Energy Sector 330
Jochen Lambauer, Dr. Ulrich Fahl, and
Prof. Dr. Alfred Voß
Index 341

Notes on the Contributors
Severin Beucker is co-founder of and senior researcher at the
Borderstep Institute for Innovation and Sustainability, Berlin. His
research focuses on innovation and technology analyses for new
technologies. In the project ColorSol, he was responsible for the
analysis of market potentials and the development of application
scenarios for dye solar cells.
Niels Boeing graduated in physics and science theory at Technische
Universität Berlin. Since 2002 he has been working as a freelance
science writer for major German publications, including Die Zeit
and MIT Technology Review (German edition). In 2004 he published
the popular-science introduction to nanotechnology Nano?! Die
Technik des 21. Jahrhunderts (Rowohlt, Berlin). He lives in Hamburg,
Germany.
Harald Böttner is head of the Thermoelectric and Integrated
Sensor Systems department of the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical
Measurement Techniques, Freiburg, Germany. He graduated with
a diploma in chemistry from the University of Münster, Germany,
in 1974 and received his Ph.D. in 1977 at the same university for
his thesis on diffusion and solid state reaction in the quaternary
semiconductor II–VI/IV–VI materials system. In 1978 he joined the
Fraunhofer Institut für Silicatforschung, Würzburg, Germany, and
in 1980 he changed to the present appointment at the Fraunhofer
Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques, Freiburg, Germany.
From 1980 to 1995 he developed IV–VI infrared semiconductor
lasers, while being active in thin film thermoelectrics based on PbTe.
He was one of the main inventors of the worldwide first waferscale
technology for vertical thermoelectric known under “Micropelt.” He
is a board member of the International Thermoelectric Society, of

xiv
Notes on the Contributors
the European Thermoelectric Society, and co-founder of the German
Thermoelectric Society.
Martin Bram graduated as a materials scientist from the Friedrich
Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg in 1995 and received
his Ph.D. from the University of Saarbrücken in 1999. After joining
Forschungszentrum Jülich in 1999, the main topic of his research
has been materials in energy systems. He is currently head of
a research group Powder Metallurgy and Composite Materials.
Dr. Bram is continuously looking for new solutions if metals or
ceramics or even composites are required with defined functional
porosity. His expertise in materials science and technology enables
him to fruitfully combine materials synthesis, phase composition,
heat treatment, grain growth, and chemical interaction during
processing, as well as during operation.
Ulrich Fahl studied economics at the University of Freiburg from
1978 to 1983 and received his Ph.D. in 1990 from the University
of Stuttgart on a decision support system for energy economy and
energy policy. Since 1990 he heads the Energy Economics and
Systems Analysis department at the Institute of Energy Economics
and the Rational Use of Energy (IER) (staff of 20 researchers). He is
responsible for national and international research activities in the
field of energy and electricity demand and supply analysis, energy
and electricity modelling, energy and environmental management
in industry and commerce, sustainable development of energy
systems, energy and transport issues, and energy and climate.
Regine Geerk-Hedderich is a physicist. She studied solid state
physics at the Central Institute for Solid State Physics and Material
Research of the TU Dresden (Dr. rer. nat.) and at the Friedrich-
Schiller-Universität Jena (Dr. sc.). Between 1980 and 1989 she
worked as visiting scientist for several months at the Kapitza
Institute at the Academy of Science in Moscow and the High
Field Magnet Laboratory in Wroclaw. During 1990–91 Dr. Geerk-
Hedderich held a research position at the high field magnet
laboratory in Grenoble. Since 1991 she is employed at the Karlsruhe
Institute of Technology (Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe). From 1992
to 1993 she held a guest scientist position at the international

Notes on the Contributors
xv
superconducting laboratory in Tokyo. Since 1998 she is director
the network NanoMat (supra-regional network for nanomaterials,
www.nanomat.de), which has 29 partners from industry and
academia.
Antje Grobe obtained her M.A. from the University of Stuttgart,
Germany, where she gives lectures on dialogue management and
leads several national and EU-funded research projects on risk
assessment and risk perception with an emphasis on nanotechnologies
and climate change issues. Grobe is managing director
of DialogBasis, a science-based think-tank and dialogue platform.
Since more than 15 years, she has been facilitating stakeholder
dialogues and citizen participation exercises in Europe on behalf
of governmental bodies, academia, industry, and civil society
organizations. She serves as an expert on nanotechnologies for the
European Commission and the Swiss Confederation and was with
the German government’s NanoKommission from 2006 to 2011.
Karl-Heinz Haas studied chemistry and obtained his Ph.D. from the
University of Karlsruhe, Germany, in 1983. He joined Fraunhofer ISC
(sol-gel, materials, hybrid polymers) and worked for BASF in the
central polymer research lab from 1988 to 1995. In 1995 Dr. Haas
became head of the hybrid polymer department at ISC. Since 2004 he
is managing director of the Fraunhofer Alliance Nanotechnology and
is currently also head of the New Business Development department
at ISC.
Hartmut Hillmer received his Ph.D. in physics from Stuttgart
University in 1989, after which he joined the Research Center
German Telekom, Darmstadt. In 1991 he became a guest scientist at
NTT Optoelectronic Laboratories, Japan. Since 1999 he is professor
of technological electronics at the Institute of Nanostructure
Technologies and Analytics, University of Kassel, Germany. In 2006
he received the Grand Prix Europeen for Innovation Award for the
patent “Micro Mirror Array.” Dr. Hillmer’s research interests include
networked sensors and actuators for smart personal environments,
micromirror arrays in intelligent windows, non-invasive optical
biomarker detection in breath and tissue, semiconductor lasers, and
optical filters for telecommunication.

xvi
Notes on the Contributors
Andreas Hinsch is a physicist who has been working as a researcher
for many years. He is responsible for the dye solar cell activities
of Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), Freiburg,
Germany. For the project ColorSol, he was in charge of technology
research and development and the technology transfer to the
companies involved.
Andreas Jäkel studied physics at the University of Kassel, Germany,
from 2001 to 2008. In May 2008 he joined the Department of
Technological Electronics, University of Kassel, where he worked
on his Ph.D. in micro-optical and electromechanical systems with a
focus on micromirror applications. He is one of the project leaders
at the Institute of Nanostructure Technologies and Analytics and
responsible for the development of micromirror arrays for active
windows.
Jan D. König is group leader for the Thermoelectric Energy
Conversion branch in the Thermoelectric Systems department of
the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques
(IPM), Freiburg, Germany. He is project manager in different
projects regarding thermoelectric materials research, measurement
systems, and thermoelectric generator development. Some of
his remarkable projects include the design and fabrication of
a fully automated material measurement setup, standardization
of thermoelectric metrology, and the development of a smallscale
production of thermoelectric generator for high-temperature
application. König’s current activities cover nanoscale bulk and thinfilm
research on Bi 2 Te 3 , PbTe, and silicide-based materials as well
as the development of a high-temperature generator for automotive
applications. Since 2009 he is executive board member of the
German Thermoelectric Society.
Nico Kreinberger has a B.A. from University of Stuttgart, Germany,
where he studied politics, sociology, and empirical social research.
In the EU-FP 7–funded NanoCode project he conducted an international
survey and several conferences on the responsible research
of nanotechnologies. At the Switzerland-based Risk Dialogue Foundation
he works in the fields of nanotechnologies, microsystem
technologies, and climate change in several stakeholder dialogues.

Notes on the Contributors
xvii
Jochen Lambauer has studied environmental engineering (Dipl.-
Ing., B.Sc.) at the University of Stuttgart, Germany, and the University
of Iceland (Háskolí Islands, Reykjavík), Iceland. Since 2005 he is a
research associate at the Institute for Energy Economics and the
Rational Use of Energy (IER) at the University of Stuttgart. Lambauer
is responsible for research activities in the fields of rational
use of energy, energy efficiency, virtual power plants, demand
response, and energy impacts of innovations (e.g., nanotechnology).
In addition, he is managing director and scientific coordinator of
the Graduate and Research School, Efficient Use of Energy, Stuttgart
(GREES).
Claus Lang-Koetz is an environmental engineer. He obtained his
doctorate degree from the University of Stuttgart. He was the
manager of the group “Innovative Technologies” at the Fraunhofer
Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, Stuttgart, Germany, and
coordinator of the research project ColorSol. He is now working
in the machine and plant manufacturing industry as an innovation
manager.
Qingdang Li studied electronics engineering at the Wuhan University
of Technology, China, from 1993 to 1997, economics at
the Harbin Institute of Technology, China, from 2000 to 2002, and
mechanical engineering at the University of Paderborn from 2003
to 2005. In August 2006 Li joined the Department of Technological
Electronics, University of Kassel, Germany, where he worked on his
Ph.D. in micro-optical and electromechanical systems with a focus
on micromirror applications.
Wiebke Lohstroh received her doctorate in physics in 1999
at the Georg-August Universität, Göttingen, Germany. During her
stay as postdoctoral fellow at Oxford University (UK) and at
Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam (the Netherlands), she investigated
structural and optical properties of thin films during hydrogen
uptake. From 2005 to 2011 she worked at the Institute of
Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany.
In 2011, she joined the Forschungsneutronenquelle Heinz Maier-
Leibnitz (FRM II), TU München, Germany. Her work focuses on

xviii
Notes on the Contributors
materials development for energy storage, i.e., solid state hydrogen
storage systems and electrode materials for secondary batteries.
Wolfgang Luther works as a consultant and project manager at
the VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH in Duesseldorf, Germany, since
1999. He holds a degree in chemistry, a degree in economics,
and a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry. Dr. Luther’s specific field
of competence is the socioeconomic assessment of emerging
technologies, in particular nanotechnology. His current main field of
activity is the coordination of innovation accompanying measures
for nanotechnology within the funding programme of the Federal
Ministry of Research and Education.
Gudrun Reichenauer works in the field of materials science and
physics, with a particular focus on the synthesis and characterization
of aerogels and xerogels since more than 20 years. During
1999–2000 she was a research assistant in the group of Prof.
G. W. Scherer at Princeton University and the Princeton Materials
Institute, NJ, USA. On her return to Germany she became the head of
the Nanomaterials group of the Bavarian Center for Applied Energy
Research (Division: Functional Materials for Energy Technology).
Her current research is focussed on the synthesis and characterization
of nanoporous materials in general, with special emphasis
on sol-gel-derived materials and nanofibres synthesized by chemical
vapour deposition. Application-directed activities concern, in particular,
thermal insulations, electrodes in electrochemical devices, IR
opacifiers, and materials for gas separation and gas storage.
Michael Steinfeldt, a diploma’d engineer, is senior scientist at the
Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Bremen, Germany,
since 2005. His main focus of research is environmental valuation
and methods of technology assessment and life cycle assessment.
Current research themes are green and sustainable nanotechnology.
After some years as a process engineer in an industrial enterprise
he worked as senior researcher and project manager at the Institute
for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW) gGmbH, Berlin, in the field
corporate environmental management (1992–2004).
Volker Viereck studied physics at the Humboldt University, Berlin,
and at the University of Kassel, Germany, from 1997 to 2004. He

Notes on the Contributors
xix
worked out his diploma thesis at the Volkswagen Konzernforschung,
Wolfsburg, on nanoparticle measurement in 2003. In June 2004 he
joined the Department of Technological Electronics, University of
Kassel, where he worked on his Ph.D. in micro-optical and electromechanical
systems with a focus on micromirror applications. He is
now leader of the Optical MEMS Technologies group there.
Alfred Voß received his Dipl.-Ing. degree in energy engineering
from the Technical University of Aachen in 1970 and a Ph.D.
(Dr.-Ing.) in 1973. In 1990 the University of Stuttgart appointed
him director of the Institute of Energy Economics and the Rational
Use of Energy. His areas of expertise are new energy technologies,
including renewable energy; energy systems and energy modeling;
rational use of energy; and energy and sustainability.
Wenzhong Zhu is lecturer at and manager of the Scottish Centre
of Nanotechnology in Construction Materials, School of Engineering,
University of the West of Scotland. His main interests and expertise
are in technology and properties of self-compacting concrete and
special concretes, nanotechnology in construction, and particularly
nano- and micromechanical characterization of materials.

Foreword
Heat, light, and mobility are essential for our modern lifestyle.
However, some of these resources, such as oil and therefore gas
and diesel, are not indefinitely available. Experts on energy expect
a further increase in the worldwide energy demand in the next few
years. For instance, we can expect the actual numbers to double
by 2050. At the same time it seems as if global oil production
has already reached its maximum capacity. In order to counter the
growing energy shortage, research on energy is being fostered the
world over. Nanomaterials play an important role in that matter, as
many of the macroscopic properties of energy materials derive from
the nanoscale.
Compared with the big technological revolutions in the past,
it is the small but creative ideas that nowadays spur important
innovations. Knowledge gained in and through the world of
nanotechnology allows us to ameliorate many existing technologies
and to make them more reliable, efficient, and resource friendly.
Nanotechnology will break into many different sectors, and the
energy industry will see new materials with better properties come
up or notice a decrease in the need of materials: high-efficiency
accumulators, photovoltaics, compact fuel cells, surface coating.
In the car industry we will find light-weight construction, tires
with optimal adherence, self-healing varnishes, LEDs, and electromobility.
The construction industry and process technology are two
sectors that will also profit from the benefits of nanotechnology.
This book provides an interdisciplinary approach to the presentation
of research results in various energy applications of
nanomaterials. We look at individual technologies in their global
context and deal with the resulting scientific and technological
questions, commercial implementation, and ecological, ethical, and

xxii
Foreword
social aspects. Not only are physical-chemical basics examined, but
subjects and questions concerning communication risks, protection
of the environment, health, regulation or science requirements, as
well as economic and social implementing are also addressed.
Storing electricity in huge quantities is one of the future
challenges we will face, especially with the massive expansion of
renewable energies.
To get a more precise idea of these quantities, we take a
hypothetical look at the year 2030. Supposing that until then, 30%
of Germany’s entire electricity will be provided by wind, a storage
or buffer capacity of about 3000 GWh will be necessary to make up
for the energy lost during an almost wind-free week. This is more
than 70 times the capacity of our actual pump storage capacity of
40 GWh. A similar problem arises in the face of a temporary energy
excess. Along with pump storage plants and air pressure storages,
developments in stationary storing solutions are necessary in order
to store energy intelligently and to be able to feed the network
when needed. Electro-chemical storage options are described in the
chapter 3.3.1, “Materials for Energy Storage.”
Chapter 3.4.1, “Nanotechnology in Construction,” provides an
overview on nanotechnology applications within the construction
sector.
All over the world, scientists look for new processes in order
to enhance energy and ecological assets in the cement production.
CO 2 emissions in cement production are three to four times higher
than, for instance, the entire air traffic’s discharges. Scientists
at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) fabricated a new
adhesive agent with Celitement, which is comparable to the
adhesive in Portland cement (OPC), based on the still unidentified
hydraulically active calcium hydro-silicates. Compared with the
standard fabrication of Portland cement, 50% of energy and CO 2
emissions can be saved during its production.
How to use lost heat efficiently with the help of the thermoelectric
effect and adequate materials is the subject dealt with in chapter
3.2.2, “Nanoscale Thermoelectrics”. Nanoscalic thermoelectric materials
with high Seebeck coefficients show excellent characteristics
for technical use — for instance, in the car industry.

Foreword
xxiii
Light is an elemental aspect of work quality and influences our
well-being. Approximately 10% of power requirements are used
for lighting appliances, half of which are employed by trade and
craft businesses while 25% are used by the industry and another
25% by private households. Energy-saving lighting facilities not only
aim to reduce electricity costs but set important ecological accents,
a subject that is described in detail in the chapter 3.4.2, “Active
Windows for Daylight Guiding Applications.”
The further development of coal power plants is focused on
the elimination of CO 2 by storage below the ground or below
the sea level. Chapter 3.2.3, dealing with nanostructured ceramic
membranes for carbon capture and storage (CCS), describes an
option for technological enhancement of CO 2 elimination in power
plants.
Chapter 4, on the potential analysis and assessment of the
impacts of nanotechnology on the energy sector until 2030, does
not only cover very interesting subjects, but completes the other
chapters.
All subjects treated in this book are very important for us today,
as the prevailing ecological and societal problems concern all of us.
With help of new technologies and common efforts, we can create
more awareness and encourage our future generations.
Dr. Regine Geerk-Hedderich
Managing Director, NanoMat