Nanofilms and Nanostructures for Energy Applications

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About this Research Topic

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Background

Nanotechnology has been employed to improve the production, conversion, storage and use of different energy types. Recent advances in energy nanomaterials are impacting the academic, industrial and commercial sectors. Many scientists, engineers and technical professionals from diverse fields are working on developing new energy solutions using nanomaterials. In recent years, nanofilms and nanostructures have been extensively investigated to address the challenges of energy applications. It has been demonstrated that these materials will be prominent in the technological advancements necessary to innovate in the field of energy devices and systems.

Scientific research on the use of nanomaterials for energy applications has grown substantially over the past decade, making more evident the vital role played by these materials in recent advances in energy harvesting, conversion, and storage. Although several studies have already been published on the synthesis, characterization, properties and energy applications of nanofilms and nanostructures, there is a vast field to be searched in new synthesis methods, exploitation of functional properties, and application in photovoltaics, fuel cells, supercapacitors, batteries, photoelectrochemical/electrolytic hydrogen generation, and thermoelectric generation. This Research Topic will explore the state-of-the-art research in nanomaterials and their energy applications and will gather a set of theoretical and experimental papers focusing on nanofilms and nanostructures.

This Research Topic collection focuses on the new developments, challenges, and trends in the field of nanofilms and nanostructures for energy applications such as harvesting, conversion, and storage. Original research papers, critical reviews, and short communications are welcome. It covers both theoretical and experimental studies related to this theme including, but not limited to, the following topics:

• Synthesis techniques and approaches towards developing new nanofilms and nanostructures
• Atomic layer deposition of nanofilms for energy applications
• Nanostructures for water splitting
• Engineering of nanofilms used in photocatalytic, photochemical and photoelectrochemical cells
• Theoretical and experimental characterization of the different properties of nanofilms and nanostructures, such as chemical composition, structure and morphology, among others
• Studies of physical-chemical performance of nanofilms and nanostructures, with emphasis on catalysis, energy harvesting and energy conversion
• Functional properties of nanofilms and nanostructures for energy-related applications
• Simulation, processing, characterization and performance evaluation of nanofilms and nanostructures in photovoltaics, fuel cells, supercapacitors, batteries, photoelectrochemical/electrolytic hydrogen generation, and thermoelectric generation
• Development of energy devices based on nanofilms and nanostructures

Research Topic Research topic image

Keywords: Nanofilms, Nanostructures, Energy Conversion, Energy Harvesting, Energy Storage

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