Energy Solutions at the Nanoscale
The overarching research goal of the Brookhaven Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) is to help solve our nation’s energy challenges by exploring materials that use energy more efficiently and by researching practical alternatives to fossil fuels, such as hydrogen-based energy sources and improved, more affordable solar energy systems.
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The Brookhaven Center for Functional Nanomaterials |
Under that energy banner, CFN studies will focus on three key areas: nanocatalysis, the acceleration of chemical reactions using nanoparticles; biological and soft nanomaterials, such as polymers and liquid crystals, where specialized design will lead to new functions; and nanoelectronic materials, for unprecedented control of the electrons that will lead to new communication and energy control devices.
Nanocatalysis uses tiny particles, a few billionths of a meter in dimension, to speed up chemical reactions essential to modern life. Metal-containing nanoparticles are essential ingredients in industrial chemical production and energy-related processes.
Biological and soft nanomaterials include polymers, liquid crystals, and other relatively “squishy” materials that fall into a state between solid and liquid. Nanoscience has allowed understanding and engineering of soft materials properties that mimic those of conventional “hard” materials, yet are lighter, cheaper, transparent, and biocompatible.
Nanoelectronic materials research will focus on understanding how electric charge and magnetism move and interact within nanomaterials. Nanomaterials have characteristics, such as very small one- or two-dimensional geometries, that make them appropriate for advanced electronic applications. Research on nanoscale electronic materials is expected to renovate the energy storage and distribution network in the U.S., as well as transform the electronics industry, producing circuits that are both extremely small and fast.
