| Abstract [eng] |
In the last few decades, global energy requirements have grown exponentially, and increased demand is expected in the upcoming decades. Traditional energy resources have remarkably impacted energy production so far, but the use of renewable energy sources has constantly increased and is gradually substituting fossil fuels. Such non-renewable energy resources are limited in nature, and their use for energy purposes affects climate change. The new paradigm is materials for sustainable energy, and when materials are nanostructured, new key concepts are involved. Nanomaterials exhibit properties very different from their bulk counterparts due to their significant surface boundary and quantum confinement characteristics. Furthermore, the structure (or nanophase assembly) is also relevant for explaining various novel and interesting properties, notably when energy applications are taken into consideration. Remarkably, the aggregation and interface properties of nanostructures, even at lower dimensionality, are expected to boost energy applications. [...]. |
