Nanotechnology Impact on Energy: Trends and Futures Mkhulu Mathe The NPEP: Energy & Nanotechnology MRT, Sandton CC 03 March 2011

Just a thought! Nano ……………………….fill in the blank

3 © CSIR 2010 Slide 3 of 27 -Energy alarm -Nano-Energy Applications -How does own research fit with the big picture? -Path to Market -Collaboration -Sponsorships/Funders -Nanotech R&D in SA -Concluding remarks Outline

4 © CSIR 2010 Slide 4 of 27 Technofutures: Dr James Canton ‘Half of all the products that will be sold in the next 5 years haven’t been invented’ In the last 50 years there has been more technology innovation than in the previous 5000 years Innovation is the only authentic competitive advantage – 2011 Global Futures Forecast Transformative research – ‘which is driven by ideas that have potential to radically change our understanding of an important scientific concept, or lead to the creation of a new paradigm, or a new field of science’

5 Future population and final energy consumption © CSIR 2010 Slide 5 of 27

6 Primary energy and final energy consumption © CSIR 2010 Slide 6 of 27

7 © CSIR 2010Slide 7 Nanoscience and Solar Energy Nano-Energy applications N Artificial Photosynthesis Nanostructured Thermoelectrics Manipulation of photons, electrons, and molecules.

8 Quasi-one dimensional metal nanostructures Progress in Materials Science 52 (2007) A- nanowires & nanorods B- core-shell structures –metallic core C- nanotubules/ nanopipes – hollow nanorods D- heterostructures E- nanobelts/ nanoribbons F- nanotapes G- dendrites H- hierachical nanostructures I- nanosphere assembly J- nanosprings

9 © CSIR 2010Slide 9 Nano-Energy applications……. Li ion batteries: Storage = MnO 2

10 Current Opinion in Solid State and Materials Science 10 (2006) Nanotechnology &Nanoscience - impact on energy and environmental systems - contribute to a sustainable energy system

11 Photovoltaics and their fit with CSIR R&D Basic Operation of a Traditional Solar Cell Step 1: Photons (packets of sunlight) hit cell  are absorbed by semiconducting materials, e.g. silicon Step 2: Electrons (negatively charged) knocked loose from their atoms  allowing them to flow through the material to produce electricity Step 3: Complementary positive charges created (called “holes”) flow in the direction opposite of the electrons NB: Array (panel) of solar cells converts solar energy into a usable amount of direct current (DC) electricity

12 © CSIR 2010Slide 12 Dye-sensitised Solar Cell Research Focus Areas Studies on the improvement in cell efficiency – synthesis and application of TiO 2 NTs, novel dyes, core-shell materials Studies on the effects of reverse bias potentials on the performance of DSCs Outdoor testing of DSC cells vs. a- Si and c-Si cells

13 Technology Growth for Market “Nanotechnology is perceived as one of the key technologies of the 21st century with a potential to grow into a 1 trillion euro industry within a decade.” Renzo Tomellini

14 © CSIR 2010Slide 14 Applications and markets

15 © CSIR 2010Slide 15 Collaborators KIST Wits

16 © CSIR 2010Slide 16 Potential Funders

17 South African Nano Research Focus Areas Social Industrial water energy health chemical & bioprocessing mining & minerals advanced materials

18 Nanotech R&D in SA

19 Concluding remarks © CSIR 2010 Slide 19 of 27 1.Nanotechnology and nanoscience will have impact in Energy use: Storage, Conversion & Sources 2.Energy challenges are globally linked for social and industrial needs 3.Innovation in nanotechnology will help solve future energy problems

20 Energy Island © CSIR 2010 Slide 20 of 27

Thank you

22 References - Nanotechnology in South Africa, N. Cingo, Tshwane University of Education - Nanoscale design for sustainable energy technologies, Tim Sands, Purdue University - Energy Research Trends and Futures, MK Mathe, Advanced Materials and Technologies for Global Energy and Environmental Challenges Workshop, 6-8 December www.

23 © CSIR 2010 Slide 23 of 27

24 Energy Storage Technologies 2008 © CSIR 2010 Slide 24 of 27