Nano Energy

Improving Generation, Usage, and Storage of Energy

Nanoscience will play a significant role in securing our energy future. VINSE researchers are using nanostructures to enhance the efficiency of solar cells, developing nanostructures that generate hydrogen and oxygen fuels from sunlight, and exploiting nature’s own photosystem to generate energy. Energy storage is equally important to energy generation.

VINSE investigators are using nanofibers to develop improved batteries and investigating ways to integrate energy storage into structural materials. Finally, it is important that we use energy efficiently. VINSE researchers are developing efficient and low-power optoelectronics and exploring the use of ultrasmall nanocrystals in energy-efficient lighting.